Running back Keaton Mitchell delivered his most encouraging performance in the Chargers’ 24-16 loss to the Bills on Sunday, showing why the team invested in him this offseason.
Mitchell finished with eight carries for 52 yards (6.5 yards per carry) and added a receiving touchdown. The early first-quarter score came off a pop pass that let Mitchell get the edge and into the end zone after a defender missed.
In Week 3, RB Keaton Mitchell forced eight missed tackles on 11 touches – for a 72.7% missed tackle forced rate, the second-highest rate by a Charger with at least 10 touches in a game since 2016, according to @NextGenStats. pic.twitter.com/V1RLY0LSAV
— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) September 29, 2026
The 11 total touches marked a season high for Mitchell, who had been limited in the first two
weeks. He played nearly as many snaps as lead back Omarion Hampton (27 vs. 23) and saw increased work on both early downs and in space, including red-zone opportunities. His Week 3 outing suggested the coaching staff is finding more ways to get him the ball in advantageous situations.
When asked if Mitchell will get more carries, head coach Jim Harbaugh responded, "All options are open.”
Mitchell’s burst and ability to create after contact stood out on several runs, including a 17-yard gain. While the Chargers’ offense struggled to finish drives and convert the five turnovers forced by the defense into points, Mitchell’s efficiency provided one of the few bright spots in an otherwise frustrating afternoon that dropped Los Angeles to 0-3.
Signed to a two-year deal after three seasons in Baltimore, Mitchell was brought in to complement Hampton with his speed. Through three games, he has 17 carries for 85 yards (5.0 average) and four receptions for 10 yards and a score. Mitchell’s ability to create big plays in limited opportunities could make him a growing factor as the weeks go on.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' Keaton Mitchell shows explosive upside in Week 3 loss
