The NFL is buzzing with anticipation as several high-profile players make their long-awaited returns to the field in Week 5, promising to shake up rosters and inject much-needed energy into their respective teams. Sunday’s slate is set to feature the return of Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell and the New Orleans Saints’ versatile duo of Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau, each coming off significant injuries that sidelined them for the start of the 2025 season. With playoff ambitions and offensive firepower on the line, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these athletes will impact the action.
At M&T Bank Stadium, all eyes will be on Keaton Mitchell as the Ravens take on the Houston Texans. The third-year running back is finally set to make his regular-season debut after being inactive for the first four weeks. Baltimore’s running back room remains healthy, but the coaching staff has decided it’s time to unleash Mitchell’s explosiveness. Ravens fans remember his rookie year, when he led all running backs with at least a dozen attempts in yards per carry, boasting a jaw-dropping 8.4 average. That kind of big-play ability is exactly what the Ravens hope will give them an edge as they chase a deep playoff run.
Mitchell’s journey back to the gridiron hasn’t been easy. A torn ACL abruptly ended his dynamic rookie campaign, and while he regained his footing in 2024, he saw limited action—just 61 snaps, including only 36 on offense, with 15 carries for 30 yards in five games played. Entering 2025, Mitchell was widely regarded as one of the NFL’s most versatile home run threats, but he found himself buried on the depth chart behind Rasheen Ali, remaining a healthy scratch until now. That’s about to change, as sources confirmed Mitchell will be active this Sunday, offering quarterback Cooper Rush a much-needed speed option out of the backfield.
“Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell expected to be active for the first time this season Sunday vs. Houston, per source. Gives Baltimore and QB Cooper Rush a speed option out of the backfield,” reported Jeremy Fowler of ESPN on October 4, 2025. The timing seems perfect, as Baltimore looks to maintain its reputation as one of the most explosive offenses in the league. With Lamar Jackson and six other starters ruled out for Sunday, Mitchell’s return couldn’t come at a better moment.
For the Ravens, the hope is that Mitchell, now in his third season and feeling more explosive than ever, will provide the spark they need to keep defenses honest. The team’s offensive identity has long revolved around dynamic playmakers, with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson setting the tone. But Mitchell’s ability to turn a simple handoff into a highlight-reel run could be the X-factor as Baltimore eyes a Lombardi Trophy. Will he live up to the hype in his season debut? That’s the question on everyone’s mind heading into kickoff.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints are making headlines of their own as they welcome back two key contributors: quarterback Taysom Hill and tight end Foster Moreau. Both were activated from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list and are set to suit up against the New York Giants on Sunday. Their returns mark the end of grueling rehabilitation journeys from serious knee injuries suffered during the 2024 season—Hill’s coming in a clash with the Los Angeles Rams on December 1, and Moreau’s during the Saints’ final drive against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Hill, who missed the first four games of the season, spoke candidly about his recovery process and the emotional rollercoaster that came with it. “I’m feeling healthy and I think it’s always one of those things you don’t know how you’re gonna feel in a month, but as of right now, I feel really good. I feel better than what I was expecting, frankly, but I’m really encouraged with how my knee has handled the load this week,” Hill shared during a press conference this week.
The 35-year-old has become known for his versatility, lining up at quarterback, tight end, and even special teams throughout his career. But after a major knee injury and a lengthy rehab, Hill admits the journey back hasn’t been straightforward. “Football has given me and my family some incredible experiences and given us incredible opportunities and you realize that football is there, there’s a shelf life to doing this. I wasn’t ready to walk away, and they still had a vision for me here, so I told them I was gonna do everything I could to make sure I could still help the team win,” Hill explained, reflecting on his conversations with Saints leadership during the offseason.
Both Hill and Moreau returned to practice this week, but questions remain about how the Saints will utilize their unique talents against the Giants. The coaching staff has been tight-lipped about Hill’s exact role, noting the need to “take it a day at a time” as they gauge his readiness and fit within the offense. “I think it’ll be one of those things that just evolves through time,” Hill said. “I’ve had three days of practice with this coaching staff and they’ve had three days of practice with me, so I think everyone’s still learning through this process.”
Moreau, too, is eager to contribute after his own arduous recovery. Both players missed the first four games of the 2025 season, and their simultaneous return boosts a Saints roster looking to regain momentum. There’s also intrigue surrounding rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, with uncertainty over whether he’ll be active or serve as the emergency quarterback for Sunday’s matchup.
For Saints fans, the dual activation of Hill and Moreau injects hope and curiosity into a season that’s already seen its fair share of adversity. Will Hill’s trademark versatility be on full display, or will the team ease him back into action? And how will Moreau’s presence at tight end help open up the passing game for New Orleans? One thing’s for certain: the Saints’ coaching staff will have more options at their disposal as they seek to outmaneuver a Giants team hungry for a win.
As Sunday approaches, both the Ravens and Saints are banking on the return of their playmakers to provide a much-needed lift. Baltimore will be counting on Keaton Mitchell’s speed and big-play potential to complement their already potent offense, especially with several starters sidelined. In New Orleans, the focus will be on how Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau reintegrate into a unit desperate for consistency and playmaking ability.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see if these comebacks live up to the hype. With the season heating up and playoff races beginning to take shape, every snap matters. Whether these returning stars can tip the scales in their teams’ favor remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the NFL spotlight will be shining brightly on Baltimore and New Orleans this Sunday.
