Ravens' offseason pickup finally in position to shine in Week 11

As the Baltimore Ravens prepare for their division matchup against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday, they're dealing with a familiar issue: injuries. The Ravens had five players who didn't participate in Wednesday's practice.

While some (including Lamar Jackson) are likely to play, cornerback Marlon Humphery has already been ruled out due to a finger injury, and wide receiver Rashod Bateman is unlikely to play due to an ankle injury. Bateman suffered an injury at the goal line of last Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.

The 25-year-old missed Wednesday's and Thursday's practice as a result, and while offensive coordinator Todd Monken said he was hopeful that Bateman returns on Friday, the outlook clearly is not great for his status on Sunday.

Undoubtedly, this is a key loss as Bateman is one of Jackson's favorite targets. Notably, he had been targeted four or more times in all but two of the games Jackson has played in, and both of his touchdowns have come with Jackson under center. However, the Ravens will have to embrace the next man up mentality, and DeAndre Hopkins now has a massive opportunity.

The 13-year veteran was brought in during the offseason but has had a minimal role after a strong first two weeks of the season. With Bateman likely sidelined, though, expect Hopkins to get some targets.

DeAndre Hopkins in a prime position for a big Week 11

As big physical deep threats, the two receivers are similar. Bateman is eight years younger and naturally more involved in the offense. For the season, Bateman has been on the field for 68 percent of Baltimore's offensive snaps. Conversely, Hopkins has been on the field for just 30 percent of the team's snaps.

While Hopkins is off to a slow start, he's still shown some nice flashes. In the first two games of the season, Hopkins reeled in 99 yards and two touchdowns. This included a 65-yard, one-touchdown game against the Browns in Week 2.

Despite being 33, Hopkins still has stellar athleticism and an insane catch radius as displayed in the clip above.

Since Week 2, though, Hopkins has only notched more than 20 yards once. When the Ravens signed Hopkins this offseason, fans expected him to have a bigger role. Nevertheless, Hopkins proved he could be effective specifically against the Browns earlier this year, which could give the Ravens a blueprint to getting him involved.

Perhaps it will simply be a steady diet of Zay Flowers and the tight ends in Bateman's presumed absence. However, the Ravens could undoubtedly benefit from a few big plays, and Hopkins is still capable of doing this. Utilizing Hopkins as a deep threat could benefit the Ravens against a formidable Browns' defense.

Each week, unexpected players step up to make a big impact, and Hopkins fits this mold perfectly. Overall, don't be shocked if Hopkins has the best game of his season on Sunday.