Why isn't Keaton Mitchell playing? Ravens' explosive RB remains surprise inactive on depth chart

The Baltimore Ravens continue to leave Keaton Mitchell out of the action.

For a third consecutive week, the third-year RB is inactive, this time as the Ravens take on the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football.

In 2023, Mitchell had a ridiculous 8.4 yards per carry as a rookie.

In his injury return, he ran just 15 times for 30 yards.

But this summer, it seemed Mitchell might be fully recovered.

That's what makes his continued absence surprising.

Why isn't Keaton Mitchell playing?

Keaton Mitchell is evidently the fourth RB option on a Ravens team that only wants three up for gamedays: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh recently explained it.

"We just don’t have the spot right now,” Harbaugh told reporters. “I guess in some ways, that’s a good problem to have, but I would much rather see him out there and see him active on gameday.”

Earlier in the season, Harbaugh also said that Mitchell is essentially good right now for "designer plays," but not the full flow of an offense.

Sounds like Mitchell has some work to do to eventually get on the field.