The Baltimore Ravens will once again be without wide receiver Rashod Bateman on Sunday. It was his second straight week of not logging a single practice, as he continues to nurse his ankle injury.
Entering Sunday, the Ravens should not be desperate for Bateman’s services. While the passing offense struggled significantly in last week’s win over the Cleveland Browns, the New York Jets do not pose a tough challenge.
The team will miss his ability to stretch the field and make the big play. However, if quarterback Lamar Jackson can grind out drives, running back Derrick Henry can take over the game, and the defense can put together another dominant showing, then Baltimore’s challenge against the 2-8 Jets in Week 12 should not pose much of an issue. It is Week 13 that could become the problem if Bateman is still out.
Rashod Bateman is yet to make his return ahead of pivotal stretch
In Week 13, the Ravens take on their AFC North division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. It is the primetime matchup on Thanksgiving, meaning both teams will have a short week to prepare. For the Bengals, signs are pointing toward quarterback Joe Burrow making a return. While their defense is far and away the worst in the NFL in points allowed (334 points), a Burrow return could turn Thursday’s showdown into a shootout, the type of game the Ravens would need Bateman back for.
In his press conference following Friday’s practice, Head Coach John Harbaugh provided a brief update on Bateman’s status and what the outlook may be for Thursday’s game.
“[Bateman’s] progressing well,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll have a chance for [him to play Thursday]. We’ll have to see how that goes.”
Bateman has been underwhelming in 2025. In nine games, he has only 16 receptions for 194 yards. Granted, the Ravens were without Jackson for three games, and while Tyler Huntley had a strong day in their Week 8 win over the Chicago Bears, Cooper Rush was downright horrendous in his two starts.
Still, even when Jackson has been healthy, Bateman has seen limited touches. Outside of his five-catch, 63-yard, and one-touchdown performance against the Detroit Lions, the 25-year-old has failed to eclipse two catches in any other game this season.
Regardless of his production this year, though, Bateman will likely be a necessity once the Ravens take on the Bengals. The connection of Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase always gives Baltimore’s defense nightmares, and if they tear the unit to shreds once again next week, the offense will need a deep threat like Bateman to keep up.