The Ravens' backfield could soon get even speedier, as Keaton Mitchell appears to be nearing a return.
Mitchell (knee) has been a full participant in practice this week as he continues moving closer to game action.
Mitchell's 21-day window began on Oct. 23 when he returned to practice from last year's season-ending injury suffered in Week 15. He would need to be moved to the 53-man roster by Nov. 13 to play this season.
Head Coach John Harbaugh did not say whether Mitchell will be activated from injured reserve for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. However, the second year running back has impressed coaches and teammates since returning to the field.
"He looked good. We just have to make a decision as we go forward," Harbaugh said. "There's roster implications to all that as well. It's good to see him back. That's a tough rehab he had. It's been stellar, his progress."
Mitchell would add another big play element to the potent running back room led by Derrick Henry, the NFL's leading rusher, and Justice Hill. Mitchell is one of the league's fastest players and Lamar Jackson said the speed is still there.
"It's great to have him back out there," Jackson said. "He caught like a little small pass, and he took off. I'm like, 'You're starting to look like last year.'
"It's great to see him back in good spirits. He always was in good spirits, but just to see him on the field with us, it's great to see."
Marcus Williams Will Play vs. Broncos
Harbaugh confirmed that veteran safety Marcus Williams will play against the Broncos.
For the first time in his career when healthy, Williams did not see action against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. However, Harbaugh and Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr liked what they saw in practice this week and Williams said Wednesday that he was moving forward.
"When I'm ready to get in, when it's my time, I'll go in and do what I've got to do to make plays," Williams said. "I've faced adversity all my life. Adversity, it makes you or breaks you. It's how you react. Act like a pro, do all you've got to do to move on to the next week. … I'm going to stay prepared no matter what."
Williams is a playmaker with the most career interceptions (20) on the Ravens' roster. Dropping potential picks has been a major issue for the defense, and the Ravens spent extra time this week on the JUGS machine and going through catching drills.
"When they throw it right in our hands – like a free throw in basketball; you've got to make those," Orr said. "We've looked at it, our guys are working hard at it. … I'm confident they're going to come down with those plays."
Diontae Johnson Is Getting Up to Speed Quickly
After being traded to the Ravens this week, wide receiver Diontae Johnson has spent his time familiarizing himself with Baltimore's offense. It remains to be seen if or how much Johnson will play Sunday, but he's comfortable with his progress.
"I'm picking up on it real fast," Johnson said. "I'm just trying to show the coaches that I can retain information and put my best foot forward when it comes time to get on the field. I'm enjoying it."
Jackson returned to practice Friday and got his first chance to work with Johnson on the field. The Ravens' quarterback is pleased to have Johnson as a teammate and not an opponent.
"It was a great pickup," Jackson said. "He can get separation like our other guys. We just have to see what he's made of.
"He's over here in Baltimore now. I couldn't stand him when he was in Pittsburgh, but his game is great."
Jackson is very loyal to teammates from his native South Florida but clarified that Johnson is from a different region of the state.
"[Johnson] is from Tampa; that's not South," Jackson said drawing laughter. "But he's from Florida, though. We love all of Florida, but South [Florida] is different."
