ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is inactive for Sunday night’s season opener against the Buffalo Bills.
The move comes after Baltimore decided to keep four running backs on its roster, along with Derrick Henry, Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali. It is also mildly surprising.
But with Ali featuring on special teams units and likewise able to return kickoffs, Mitchell, who is entering his third season and just over 18 months removed from a torn ACL, became less likely to chew up an active roster spot with the need for six inactive players.
Though Mitchell had five kickoff returns for 134 yards, including a 32-yarder, in last season’s AFC divisional round loss at Highmark Stadium, he also did not play a snap on offense.
The other inactive players for Baltimore were less surprising.
Tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) and fullback/tight end Patrick Ricard (calf) were both ruled out Friday. Outside linebacker David Ojabo, who was a healthy scratch for four games last season, is once more.
The Ravens’ other inactives are rookie offensive tackle Carson Vinson and undrafted rookie safety Reuben Lowery III.
Among the inactives for Buffalo are cornerback and former Raven Tre’Davious White, who was listed Friday as doubtful with a groin injury.
The Bills’ other inactive players are wide receiver Curtis Samuel, defensive back Jordan Hancock, center/guard Sedrick Van-Pran Granger, offensive tackle Chase Lundt and defensive end Landon Jackson.
Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1.