The Baltimore Ravens were dealt a worrisome blow when it was revealed that second-year wide receiver Rashod Bateman had left Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills early with an injury.
Talk about adding insult to injury after what was an embarrassing second-half collapse for the Ravens. Bateman was spotted in a walking boot shortly after the game and didn’t play at all in the fourth quarter.
Although he was initially confused as to why Bateman didn’t play much in the second half when he spoke to the media after the game, head coach John Harbaugh provided a much more informative update when speaking to reporters on Monday.
Harbaugh told the media that Bateman had suffered a mid-foot injury and was considered day-to-day. He insisted that the injury was not a serious one, although it’s unclear how much time (if any) Bateman will be forced to miss.
All things considered, this is a positive update.
The Ravens shouldn’t be without Rashod Bateman for long
Bateman played just 44 percent of his team’s offensive snaps on Sunday as the foot injury forced him to miss considerable time in the second half. The Ravens could have used him too given how much their offense stalled in those final two quarters.
In Bateman’s absence, the Ravens were forced to lean on the likes of Devin Duvernay and Demarcus Robinson who both tallied season-highs in snap count. Others such as Tylan Wallace and James Proche saw a handful of snaps.
If Bateman is unable to play this Sunday, I’d expect to see a bit more of Wallace and Proche with Duvernay and Robinson set as the de facto starters.
This Ravens offense isn’t exactly flush with playmakers in the passing game at the moment. Outside of Mark Andrews, Bateman is the team’s top receiving threat, and the options behind him range from unproven to unspectacular.
For that reason, Bateman’s injury could significantly hinder the Ravens’ passing game if he does, in fact, miss time. We should have a clearer picture of just how serious Bateman’s injury is come Wednesday’s practice.
If he practices at all, even in a limited capacity, it’s probably safe to assume he’ll play on Sunday. If he’s held out, concern will be raised about his availability.
Right now, all we can do is be thankful the injury wasn’t more severe.