With a crucial game on Christmas Day, the Baltimore Ravens have some bad news for them. The leaders of the AFC are set to face the leading team in the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers. In the game vs the Jaguars, running back Keaton Mitchell was heading for a touchdown, but instead came crashing down with a season-ending knee injury. Even though they won 23-7, this loss can pose issues for the team. It’s especially tough considering that it is his rookie year, and the Ravens offense had come to depend on him.

The Ravens are known for their smash-mouth football style of playing, which means that they heavily rely on their rushing game. Especially with someone like Lamar Jackson leading them, who is arguably the best rushing QB in the league right now. How will this new injury affect their playing chances?

HC Harbaugh reveals Keaton Mitchell’s status

Speaking to the media, coach Jim Harbaugh said, “It’s heartbreaking. He’s just got a great attitude and demeanor about him. He’s a guy you want to see do well. He deserves to do well. And just feel for his parents right now — they’re watching and I’m sure they’re feeling it, too.” After the Jaguars win, there was a celebration in the Ravens’ camp because the win meant that a playoff berth was sure. But the celebrations were also muted because they lost an important player like Mitchell.

But what exactly happened? Mitchell received the handoff and managed to break through two tackles and convert to a first down. But then he tripped, his knee twisted awkwardly, and he lay on the ground.

Read More: “Definitely Not”: Nick Sirianni Shatters Opinions of Benching Jalen Hurts Amid Eagles’ QB’s Health Rumors

Mitchell, who is an undrafted rookie and an East Carolina product, already had 323 yards and 2 touchdowns under his belt when he walked into the Jaguars’ game. He then went on to add 73 more yards on 9 receptions. What will the Ravens do now without their up-and-coming running back?

Ravens’ RB options: Gus Edwards and Justice Hill

When Mitchell joined the Ravens, it seemed like a breath of fresh air. He helped revive the offense, but now with him gone for the rest of the season, the team will have to fall back on Justice Hill and Gus Edwards. Edwards had scored a 1-yard TD in the fourth quarter and ran 58 yards on 16 receptions.

Hill, on the other hand, has recorded 313 rushing yards and has scored 3 touchdowns so far in the season. But the Ravens have their task cut out for them as they will have to face three very difficult teams before the regular season ends. Will Edwards and Hill be able to come through for the team in Mitchell’s absence?

Watch This Story: Amid Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce engagement rumors, speculations emerge, foreshadowing a gloomy end