Ravens' veteran poised for expanded role fans have been waiting for on Sunday

If the Baltimore Ravens want any chance at winning on Sunday, it will most likely have to come through the offense. Since Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow returned, their offense has been on a tear. Baltimore’s defense did well to hold up for as long as possible in their Week 13 matchup, but countless offensive miscues eventually caved in on the unit.

As good as the Ravens’ defense has been since their Week 7 bye, the Bengals are inevitably going to erupt for a few splash plays. The Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase connection has proved time and time again to be a thorn in Baltimore’s side. Baltimore's defense can enforce its bend-don’t-break mentality all they want, but if the offense does not wake up and play sound, competitive football for all four quarters, the Ravens will not stand a chance.

For the past four weeks, Baltimore’s offense has stumbled. They have made some explosive plays thanks to the heroics of quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, but overall, it has been a horrendous stretch. It has mostly been a problem with the passing attack, as the offensive line has failed to hold up all year, and a secondary threat alongside wide receiver Zay Flowers has not revealed themself.

In Week 15 against the Bengals, that secondary weapon could come in the form of veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He has been a security blanket for Jackson this year, but a bigger role could be on his plate on Sunday.

DeAndre Hopkins could see a bigger role vs. Bengals

In his press conference on Thursday, Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken spoke about looking to balance out the offense, including a potential increased role for Hopkins.

“We’d like to get [Hopkins] more involved,” Monken said. “That would be true for [Rashod Bateman], Isaiah Likely, Mark [Andrews], and some of our backs…We certainly need to get all of our skill guys involved, and D-Hop happens to be one of them.”

Monken obviously is not looking to reveal the game plan, but his admission that Hopkins needs a bigger role could be telling.

Wide receiver Rashod Bateman is also dealing with an ankle sprain. He was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice and was out on Friday. On Baltimore’s final injury report, he was listed as questionable. Head Coach John Harbaugh mentioned in Friday’s press conference that they will play it by ear and keep an eye on the injury throughout the weekend.

If Monken relies on Hopkins heavily and Bateman is unavailable, Hopkins should help Jackson and the passing attack find a rhythm. He has just 17 receptions for 257 yards and two touchdowns in 2025, but has come up big in moments when the Ravens need a first down.

He may not have the quickness to create separation downfield anymore, but he has continued to prove himself in physical battles at the sticks. Of his 17 catches, 11 have resulted in first downs. If the team can create favorable situations for the 33-year-old, Jackson should lean on him to keep the chains moving and the offense well-balanced in Cincinnati.