Sources – Keaton Mitchell of the Ravens is expected to return to the active roster

BALTIMORE – The Ravens, who have the NFL's No. 1 offense, are expected to add an explosive playmaker for Thursday night's game against the Bengals.

Running back Keaton Mitchell is expected to be removed from the physically unable to perform list on Thursday barring any unforeseen developments, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Thursday. Mitchell, who participated fully in training throughout the week, has not played since suffering a complete cruciate ligament tear in his left knee in December 2023.

Baltimore secured a roster spot on Thursday when it waived defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. 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 vital boost to Baltimore's rushing attack, averaging 8.4 yards on 47 carries. In eight games, he totaled 396 rushing yards, including touchdown runs of 39 and 40 yards.

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

Asked if there was a 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 and awkwardly twisted his left leg after landing on it. He returned to training ten months later on October 23 and Harbaugh described Mitchell's progress as outstanding.

Mitchell's speed would complement the power runs of Derrick Henry, who leads the NFL with 1,052 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns. The Ravens' offense was 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 return.

The Ravens (6-3) host the Bengals (4-5) on Thursday night and look to defeat Cincinnati for the second straight year.