Without Zay Flowers and Ja'Kobi Lane, the Baltimore Ravens needed wide receiver help in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. On Sunday, the Ravens' offense struggled to get anything going in the second half, and ultimately lost 24-17.
Yet, fourth-round pick Elijah Sarratt didn't play a single snap. This came after he was inactive in Week 1, which shows that the Ravens don't feel comfortable playing Sarratt.
The alternative was giving LaJohntay Wester and Chris Moore more than half of the team's snaps. Now, it's fair to raise some eyebrows at this strategy, given that Wester, like Sarratt, is a young, unproven player, and Moore started the season on the practice squad. Even if Sarratt couldn't earn a significant role, why couldn't he earn a few snaps over this duo?
Still, the Ravens' coaching staff knows him best, and clearly they think he needs time to improve. It's also worth noting that Moore played well in Week 1, and Wester's skill set is more similar to Flowers'. As such, this isn't simply an illogical decision from the coaching staff.
Elijah Sarratt has an uphill battle to earn a bigger role with the Baltimore Ravens
Frankly, though, if Sarratt couldn't see the field with both Flowers and Lane out, it's unlikely that he'll play much this season. That's not to say he'll never see the field, but a regular role isn't in the cards. Baltimore's affinity for multi-tight-end sets is another factor that makes it difficult for Sarratt.
There was some serious hype for Sarratt early in the offseason. Granted, much of this hype dwindled when Lane broke out during training camp, but in minicamp Sarratt was the standout.
Likewise, it seemed possible that Sarratt could carve out a role as a big-bodied receiver with a knack for contested catches and reeling in touchdowns, even after Lane's breakout.
Nevertheless, Sarratt not seeing the field with these injuries is a clear reason to pump the brakes, at least in terms of his rookie impact.
I still won't give up on Sarratt long-term. His skill set could make him an ideal fit alongside Lamar Jackson and in Declan Doyle's high-powered offense (assuming he sticks around). Maybe he can earn some snaps if Flowers remains sidelined. That would be worthwhile in my eyes, especially given that the Ravens' passing game struggled during Sunday's loss.
With him not being able to see the field while the Ravens dealt with two notable injuries, and being inactive in Week 1, anything more than a situational role is highly unlikely, though.
Overall, it's clear that Sarratt needs time to develop, and he's far from earning a meaningful role despite the Ravens' roster needs.
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