Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Melvin Gordon III (33) runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens sign Melvin Gordon III, place Keaton Mitchell on IR

The Baltimore Ravens promoted Melvin Gordon III from their practice squad to their 53-man roster on Tuesday and placed fellow running back Keaton Mitchell on injured reserve.

Gordon previously has been elevated from the practice squad to the main roster for three games this season, rushing for 53 yards on 13 carries.

“Melvin Gordon is a high-pedigree football player in this league,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday. “It’s almost kind of shocking that we’re going to have the opportunity to put him into the mix right now, and he’s been wanting to be into the mix.

“He’s been practicing so hard and working so hard. Like he would say, ‘Hey. When the opportunity comes, I’ll be ready.’”

Gordon, 30, has rushed for 6,515 yards and 55 touchdowns and added 312 catches for 2,513 yards and 14 scores in 110 career games (94 starts) with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2015-19), Denver Broncos (2020-22) and Ravens. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2016 and 2018.

Mitchell, an undrafted rookie running back, sustained a left knee injury during the fourth quarter of Baltimore’s 23-7 victory at Jacksonville on Sunday night.

Mitchell’s left leg bent awkwardly after he was tripped up by Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard near the end of the game. He was carted off the field.

Mitchell, 21, rushed 47 times for 396 yards (8.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns in eight games (two starts) this season. He caught nine passes for 93 yards. He ran for 138 yards and a touchdown in a 37-3 win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9.

The Ravens (11-3), who became the first AFC team to clinch a postseason berth, previously lost starting tight end Mark Andrews (ankle) for the remainder of the regular season and starting running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) to a season-ending injury.

Also on Tuesday, the Ravens signed running back Jake Funk to the practice squad.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell (knee) likely out for season

The Baltimore Ravens clinched a playoff spot Sunday night but likely lost playmaker Keaton Mitchell for the season.

The undrafted rookie running back sustained a serious injury to his left knee during the fourth quarter of the 23-7 victory at Jacksonville.

Mitchell’s left leg bent awkwardly after he was tripped up by Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard near the end of the game. He was carted off the field.

“It looks like he won’t be back for the rest of this season,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after the game.

Mitchell, 21, rushed 47 times for 396 yards (8.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns in eight games (two starts) this season. He caught nine passes for 93 yards. He ran for 138 yards and a touchdown in a 37-3 win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9.

The Ravens (11-3), who became the first AFC team to clinch a postseason berth, previously lost starting tight end Mark Andrews (ankle) for the remainder of the regular season and starting running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) to a season-ending injury.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson leads the Ravens with 741 rushing yards. Running backs Gus Edwards (663 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Justice Hill (313 yards, three TDs) will shoulder more of the load with Mitchell out.

–Field Level Media

Dec 27, 2022; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; East Carolina Pirates running back Keaton Mitchell (2) runs for a gain against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in the 2022 Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

East Carolina standout RB Keaton Mitchell enters NFL draft

East Carolina running back Keaton Mitchell announced Monday that he is declaring for the NFL draft.

Mitchell has recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and ranks third in school history with 3,027 rushing yards.

“I want to thank my teammates who have been with me through the sacrifices and the grind,” Mitchell wrote on Instagram. “The blood, sweat, and tears. The wins and losses, and the summer/winter workouts. I thank y’all for bringing the best out of me and allowing me to be who I am today.

“… After lots of thoughts and consideration, I would like to make my dream come true and follow in my father’s footsteps…I AM ENTERING THE 2023 NFL Draft.”

Mitchell’s father, Anthony, was a defensive back who played six NFL seasons (2000-05) and was a member of the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl-winning team in 2000.

Keaton Mitchell rushed for 1,452 yards this season, second most in school history. He finished the season with seven consecutive 100-yard outings, including 127 in the Pirates’ 53-29 rout of Coastal Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl.

Mitchell rushed for 14 scores this season and 25 in three seasons at East Carolina. He also had three receiving scores.

Mitchell rushed for 1,132 yards and nine touchdowns in his 2021 breakout season.

–Field Level Media