Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is preparing for a breakout season after recovering from a knee injury sustained in 2023. Speaking about his progress, Mitchell expressed confidence that he is now playing better than before the injury, signaling a promising comeback for the team’s offense.
Mitchell stated,
“I feel like I’m back better than when I first got here. It’s going to be a movie for sure.”
—Keaton Mitchell, Ravens running back
Team Updates on Player Availability and Position Battles
Head coach John Harbaugh provided updates on key players as the Ravens approach training camp. Third-round offensive tackle Emery Jones is expected to return during camp but likely will not be ready for its start. Meanwhile, offensive linemen Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele are currently leading the competition for the two starting guard spots following the offseason.
Harbaugh also commented on the acquisition of cornerback Jaire Alexander, noting,
“He wanted to be here and we wanted him. It was an opportunity to become a better team.”
—John Harbaugh, Ravens head coach
Other NFL Developments Surrounding Notable Players
In other NFL news, Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Eric Gregory discussed the mixed emotions around the 2025 NFL Draft after going undrafted. Gregory revealed that he received multiple calls from teams expressing interest if he remained undrafted, which he found frustrating but motivating as he enters his rookie year.
“That was a little upsetting,” Gregory admitted.
“I wanted to turn the phone off, but I knew I couldn’t.”
—Eric Gregory, Bengals defensive tackle
Gregory also shared that discussions with Cincinnati’s defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery gave him confidence in his opportunity to contribute immediately. Reflecting on his lengthy college career at Arkansas, Gregory explained that injuries and having a child influenced his decision to stay in school longer than initially planned.
“The plan is never to stay that long, but injuries come and life happens,”
he said.
“Just like last year, I decided to come back, I had a baby. I didn’t want to be going through this new process right here with a newborn baby, so that’s why I decided to stay there last year. It definitely was hard to stay that long. You want to get out there and come in younger.”
—Eric Gregory, Bengals defensive tackle
Steelers Introduce D.K. Metcalf to a New Environment
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move by acquiring wide receiver D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Mason Rudolph praised Metcalf’s athleticism and professionalism during off-season workouts.
“He’s an unbelievable athlete,” Rudolph noted.
“We all kind of knew that just from watching the tape and watching him from across the league. But I thought just his wanting to learn and his questions — he’s inquisitive and he’s very intelligent, very articulate. I thought that was big time. And he just seems like a guy [who’s] a low-ego guy. He’s been paid a lot, he’s been very successful, but he’s very hungry to improve.”
—Mason Rudolph, Steelers quarterback
Upcoming Training Camp and Team Preparations
As teams finalize their rosters and assess player health, focus shifts to training camps where position battles and player performance will reveal potential season starters. For the Ravens, the return of key figures like Keaton Mitchell and Emery Jones is critical to their goal of competing at a high level this coming season.
Mitchell’s recovery and improved play after the injury represent a hopeful sign that the Ravens’ backfield will have added explosive capability, while the ongoing evaluation of their offensive line will shape the team’s offensive identity. Similarly, new acquisitions around the league, such as Metcalf’s arrival in Pittsburgh, illustrate the NFL’s dynamic nature as teams adjust to maximize their chances for success.