GS. YOUR MOVE, JERRY: 447 Yards Gone, 18 Carries Waiting — The Ravens’ Forgotten Speedster Could Be Dallas Cowboys’ Secret Weapon
The Dallas Cowboys’ running game has been a revelation in the early weeks of the 2025 NFL season, defying expectations with a ground attack that’s kept defenses guessing. Leading the charge is veteran running back Javonte Williams, who’s bulldozed his way to 447 yards on 79 carries, punching in five touchdowns through just five games. But the shine of this success has been dimmed by a glaring issue: the Cowboys’ backfield depth is now razor-thin, and the latest blow came on Friday with devastating news about Miles Sanders.
According to team writer Patrik Walker, Sanders, a key offseason addition, has been placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a knee injury. For Cowboys fans, this is a tough but not entirely shocking development. The 26-year-old’s slighter frame has made durability a persistent concern throughout his career, and his limited impact in Dallas—overshadowed by Williams’ dominance—has now been cut short. With Sanders sidelined, the Cowboys are left scrambling, likely turning to rookie Jaydon Blue for more snaps. But after Blue’s lackluster showing in Week 5, it’s clear the team needs a spark. Enter Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell—a dynamic, underutilized talent who could be the answer to Dallas’s backfield woes.
Mitchell, a 23-year-old third-year pro, burst onto the scene as an undrafted free agent in 2023 with the Ravens. Despite not seeing the field until Week 6 of his rookie season, he quickly proved his worth, racking up 396 yards on just 47 carries—an eye-popping 8.4 yards per attempt—and scoring two touchdowns in eight games. His explosive speed and knack for breaking tackles (seven broken tackles and 14 forced missed tackles in 2023) made him a nightmare for defenders, with a 20+ yard run in every game he played.
Tragically, a torn ACL in Week 15 of his rookie year derailed his momentum, and Mitchell’s role in Baltimore has since dwindled. The arrival of Derrick Henry, a bruising force in the Ravens’ backfield, has pushed Mitchell to the fringes, limiting him to just 18 carries over six games since his injury. But don’t let the numbers fool you—Mitchell’s potential remains untapped, and his skill set could be a game-changer for Dallas.
The Cowboys’ running game thrives on Williams’ punishing, downhill style, but it lacks a true home-run threat. Mitchell, with his breakaway speed and deceptive strength, brings exactly that. His ability to turn short gains into explosive plays would complement Williams perfectly, giving Dallas a versatile one-two punch. Imagine a backfield where Williams wears down defenses with his power, while Mitchell slices through them with his speed, leaving linebackers grasping at air.
Mitchell’s elusiveness is no fluke. In 2023, he forced missed tackles at an elite rate and showed he’s not easily brought down, even with his 5’8”, 191-pound frame. His ability to rip off chunk plays—evidenced by those 20+ yard runs in every game—would add a new dimension to an offense that’s craving a spark. Pairing him with Williams and Blue could create a three-headed monster, blending power, speed, and potential in a way that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
With Sanders out and Blue still finding his footing, the Cowboys can’t afford to sit idle. General manager and owner Jerry Jones has a reputation for bold moves, and this is the moment to make one. The Ravens, flush with backfield talent thanks to Henry, may be open to moving Mitchell, whose contract and youth make him an affordable trade target. A call to Baltimore’s front office could unlock a player who’s been buried on their depth chart but has the tools to thrive in Dallas.
The Cowboys’ running game has been a pleasant surprise in 2025, but Sanders’ injury is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift. Keaton Mitchell represents more than just a replacement—he’s a potential secret weapon, a player whose speed and playmaking ability could elevate Dallas’s offense to new heights. The ball is in your court, Jerry. Make the call, and bring the Ravens’ forgotten speedster to Big D
