The Baltimore Ravens have their biggest matchup of the season on Sunday Night Football. They square off with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18, in a bout for the AFC North crown. The winner will clinch the final playoff spot in the AFC, while the loser will be eliminated.
The Ravens are not only aiming to reach the playoffs after a sluggish start, but they are also seeking to become the first team in AFC North history to win three consecutive division titles.
Baltimore gets their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, back at the perfect time for this one. The two-time MVP confirmed his status on Thursday. However, the team ruled out a couple of players on Saturday.
Defensive tackle Taven Bryan will not play due to a knee injury. He remains on injured reserve. The big one, though, is wide receiver Rashod Bateman. After missing the entire week of practice with an illness, the Ravens confirmed that the 26-year-old will not suit up versus the Steelers.
With the two ruled out, Baltimore elevated wide receiver Keith Kirkwood and cornerback Amani Oruwariye from the practice squad. Kirkwood gives them some receiver depth with Bateman out.
It has been a severely underwhelming year for Bateman, and his absence from Sunday’s game will put an end to his disastrous regular season.
Rashod Bateman’s absence caps off a rough regular season
Of course, the former first-round pick could still rally and make a name for himself in the postseason should the Ravens beat the Steelers. For now, though, his year ends on a sour note.
After signing an extension in the offseason for three years, $36.75 million, many were expecting big things from Bateman. He had a career-best campaign in 2024, totaling 45 receptions for 756 yards and a whopping nine touchdowns. He was the electric big-play weapon the passing attack needed, but he has fallen far short of that in 2025.
Unfortunately, Bateman played in just 13 games throughout the regular season. He finishes with 19 receptions, 224 yards, and two touchdowns. Sure, the abysmal offensive line gave him little time to take the top off opposing defenses consistently, but it was a year filled with costly mistakes. Whether it was the drops or the apparent lack of effort at times, he clearly hasn’t been himself.
Due to this complete downturn in Bateman’s career, it’s fair to wonder what his future with the team could look like. Obviously, he is under contract through 2029 and has plenty of time to turn things around, but a change of scenery could be an option.
Regardless, the Ravens' focus remains on making the playoffs, and if he gets another opportunity, Bateman could change the entire outlook of his 2025 campaign with a playoff breakout.