Ravens: What will the WR room look like when Rashod Bateman returns?

Putting together the pieces of the Ravens’ WR puzzle

Adding Bateman to the mix, then, gives John Harbaugh and Greg Roman many pieces to a gorgeous-looking puzzle. The issue is now putting it together.

Thus far, the Ravens have been doing a good job with their receiving options — mixing them around the formation, working with varied personnel groupings and combinations, and getting production from all of them.

At least initially, the best recipe seems to be the unchanged one.

As previously mentioned, Bateman brings the potential of a huge outside presence, but has the versatility to move about.

For now, as he adjusts to regular-season game speed and continues to learn, he can be eased into the rotation in several ways.

Early on I can see him being used to spell Watkins outside, and in formations with Watkins, either outside on the opposite side of the field, or working from the slot to bring a real route runner with inside toughness to that position.

By using Bateman sparingly, it will ease pressure on him, but also allow the Ravens to fully use Duvernay, Proche, and Hollywood as they have been across the formation.

Moving forward is where it gets even more exciting.