Ravens Lose Ground in AFC North as Keaton Mitchell Avoids Major Injury After Week 14 Defeat

The Baltimore Ravens entered Week 14 hoping to close the gap in a tight AFC North race but instead slipped further behind after a 27–22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The defeat dropped Baltimore to 6–7, placing them a full game back of their division rivals with four weeks remaining. For a team still fighting for playoff relevance, the result represented both a missed opportunity and a potential turning point.

Compounding the disappointment was the in-game loss of running back Keaton Mitchell, who exited in the third quarter with a knee injury. Mitchell had been one of Baltimore’s most effective players up to that point, providing an explosive complement to starter Derrick Henry. His departure removed a key spark from an offense already struggling to finish drives.

Mitchell offered a measure of reassurance shortly after the game, posting an optimistic message on Instagram suggesting the injury was not as devastating as initially feared. While the Ravens awaited further evaluation, his early confidence hinted at a more favorable diagnosis than many expected during the game.

That hope was confirmed Monday when head coach John Harbaugh announced that Mitchell avoided structural damage and would be considered day-to-day. Though the setback remains significant given Baltimore’s current position, the news softened a difficult week and provided a positive development for the team moving forward.

1. Mitchell’s Breakout Performance Cut Short

Before leaving the field, Mitchell was delivering his most dynamic outing of the season. The 23-year-old totaled 76 rushing yards on just six carries, attacking Pittsburgh’s front with speed and decisiveness. His production helped Baltimore amass 217 yards on the ground, one of its strongest rushing efforts of the year. Mitchell has been used primarily as a change-of-pace option behind Henry, but his workload and effectiveness have steadily increased as the season has progressed. Sunday’s performance appeared to be another step forward in his development and a sign that Baltimore’s backfield depth could be an asset down the stretch. His departure, however, stalled momentum and left the Ravens leaning heavily on Henry in high-leverage situations. While Baltimore continued to run effectively, the offense struggled to convert yardage into points, particularly during a pivotal fourth-quarter sequence. Even with the positive medical update, Baltimore must evaluate how quickly Mitchell can return to full participation. His speed has given the Ravens another dimension offensively, and the team’s postseason hopes only heighten the urgency surrounding his availability.

2. Costly Calls and Missed Chances Stall Ravens’ Comeback

The narrow margin of defeat made several officiating decisions a central point of frustration for Baltimore. The most significant came in the final minutes when tight end Isaiah Likely’s apparent go-ahead touchdown was overturned after review. The pass, initially ruled a 13-yard score, was deemed incomplete, erasing a potential late-game lead. The reversal forced the Ravens into a fourth-down attempt deep in Steelers territory, but their drive ended with a turnover on downs. It was one of several moments where Baltimore came close to swinging momentum but ultimately fell short at critical junctures. After the defense forced a punt at the two-minute warning, the Ravens had one final chance to mount a game-winning drive. Instead, Pittsburgh’s front tightened its grip, sacking Lamar Jackson and effectively sealing the victory. The loss marked Baltimore’s fifth defeat at home this season. This home struggle has been unusual for a franchise historically dominant at M&T Bank Stadium. With a 3–5 home record and their first losing mark at the venue since 2015, the Ravens’ inability to capitalize in front of their own crowd has become a defining theme of the season.

3. Playoff Path Narrows as Division Stakes Rise

Sitting at 6–7, Baltimore now faces a tightening playoff picture. The clearest path forward is winning the AFC North, as the conference’s wild-card race remains dense and unforgiving. Falling a game behind Pittsburgh makes that pursuit more difficult, but divisional games still offer a chance to shift the standings. The Ravens have two AFC North matchups remaining, including a potentially decisive rematch with the Steelers in Week 18. Their earlier loss to Pittsburgh places even greater weight on that game as a possible tiebreaker scenario. Baltimore will also face Cleveland, adding another layer of divisional volatility. To stay in the hunt, the Ravens must find consistency on both sides of the ball. The defense has kept games close, but offensive lapses — particularly in the red zone — have become costly. With Mitchell day-to-day and the offense needing stability, Baltimore’s margin for error has grown thin. As the season enters its final stretch, Baltimore’s postseason hopes may hinge on rediscovering efficiency at home, capitalizing on divisional opportunities and keeping its playmakers healthy. The road is challenging but not yet closed.