The Baltimore Ravens will be without some key contributors on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, including wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
Bateman has been the number two option at wide receiver for the Ravens over the last couple of seasons, and while his 2025 campaign has been rather underwhelming, he is still a legitimate deep threat option.
In his place, veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins will step into that number two role. Hopkins has been effective at times this year, but has often just been a rotational weapon. With everyone shifting up on the depth chart, though, someone will have to play the part Hopkins has occupied this year. It sounds like that may be second-year pro Devontez Walker.
Walker has been a healthy scratch in recent games, but Head Coach John Harbaugh said that he will be the next man up in the case that Bateman is out. With Bateman confirmed out on Friday, Walker could see some meaningful reps in Week 11.
The 24-year-old may still be behind wide receiver and core special teamer Tylan Wallace on the depth chart. However, if Walker continues to make the most of every snap as he has done throughout his brief career, he could take that spot away from Wallace.
Devontez Walker in position to shine vs. Browns
Walker has played just 24 snaps in 2025, but has done significant damage in those reps. He has three receptions for 60 yards and two touchdowns in three games when he has gotten opportunities on offense. He also has a 92.0 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus.
In comparison, Wallace has seen 131 snaps on offense this year. He has played in every game, and although he has failed to crack double-digit reps in his past five outings, he has been a consistent part of the rotation. Through Baltimore’s first four games, Wallace logged at least 16 snaps in every game, and his reps could inflate back to that number with Bateman out.
If Walker impresses, though, things could change.
Statistically, Wallace has been unimpressive. He has just four receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown in far more opportunities than Walker. Walker has also been an electric deep threat, albeit in a minute sample size, but he seems to be the perfect substitute for Bateman.
Bateman could miss more than one contest, and if that is the case, Walker could cash in on a big chance lying ahead. He went off against the Browns last time these teams squared off in Week 2, hauling in two passes for 26 yards and two touchdowns, and he could make more noise against the AFC North rival this Sunday.