Ravens activate RB Keaton Mitchell, waive OLB Yannick Ngakoue

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  • Jamison Hensley, ESPN staff writerNovember 7, 2024, 12:47 PM ET

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      Jamison Hensley is a reporter covering the Baltimore Ravens for ESPN. Jamison joined ESPN in 2011 and covered the AFC North before focusing exclusively on the Ravens beginning in 2013. Jamison won the National Sports Media Association Maryland Sportswriter of the Year award in 2018 and authored a book titled: Flying High: Stories of the Baltimore Ravens. He was the Ravens beat writer for the Baltimore Sun from 2000-2011.

BALTIMORE — The Ravens, who boast the NFL’s No. 1 offense, adds an explosive playmaker for Thursday night’s game against the Bengals.

Running back Keaton Mitchell was activated from the physically unable to perform list Thursday, the team announced. Mitchell, who was a full participant in practice all week, has not played since suffering a full ACL tear in his left knee in December 2023.

Baltimore opened up a roster spot Thursday when it waived outside linebacker Yannick Ngakoue. In five games this season, Ngakoue has recorded 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits.

The Ravens had long expected Mitchell to return sometime in November. As an undrafted rookie last season, Mitchell provided a boost to Baltimore’s rushing attack, averaging 8.4 yards on 47 carries. He totaled 396 rushing yards in eight games and scored touchdown runs of 39 and 40 yards.

On Monday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the team would activate Mitchell “when he’s ready to go and can compete and protect himself.”

Asked if there was any chance Mitchell would play Thursday, Harbaugh said, “There’s a chance.”

In Week 15 last season, Mitchell suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter of the Ravens’ 23-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars when he was tripped by safety Andrew Wingard, causing his left leg to bend awkwardly after landing on it . . He returned to practice 10 months later on Oct. 23, and Harbaugh described Mitchell’s progress as excellent.

Mitchell’s speed would complement the power running of Derrick Henry, who leads the NFL with 1,052 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns. The Ravens’ offense has been dominant through nine games this season, ranking first in total yards (445.9) and rushing yards (191.9).

Mitchell could also help as a kickoff returner for Baltimore. The Ravens rank 27th in kickoff returns this season, averaging 24.2 yards per punt.

The Ravens (6-3) host the Bengals (4-5) on Thursday night, looking to complete a second straight sweep of Cincinnati.