Ravens WR Bateman Ready to Perform on Postseason Stage
While injuries have forced Baltimore Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman to the sidelines for 16 of 33 regular-season games in his first two NFL seasons, his durability in 2023 may allow him to earn a breakout performance in the divisional round of this season’s playoffs.
Though a decision has yet to be made regarding the health of rookie sensation Zay Flowers — who missed Baltimore’s regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a calf injury — Bateman is theoretically poised to be among quarterback Lamar Jackson’s primary targets when the Ravens return to the gridiron next weekend.
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Having missed only one game due to a hamstring injury, Bateman finished this season with 32 catches and one touchdown, while ranking sixth with 367 receiving yards. In nearly 70 percent of the games in which he played, Bateman had two receptions or fewer. However, ESPN Next Gen Stats revealed that Bateman averaged five targets per game over his last five outings, catching 12 passes for 152 yards.
In short, as Bateman became a more reliable option, Jackson began to make him a more regular target.
Still, Jackson will not be devoid of potential pass-catchers, even if Flowers is either out, or limited in his abilities, for Baltimore’s playoff opener. Veteran receivers Odell Beckham Jr and Nelson Agholor will draw Jackson’s attention, along with tight ends Isaiah Likley and Mark Andrews — who is expected to return from injured reserve.
Yet, Bateman still has appeal as a deep threat, with an average depth of target of 14.1 yards. The Minnesota product has quelled any uneasiness regarding his surgically-repaired foot, by learning how to effectively play on it 00 the results of which can be seen when attempting to separate from his defenders. Known for his route running prowess when healthy, the Ravens former first-rounder (No. 27 overall in 2021) appears ready in both body and spirit to spark what Ravens fans hope to be a long and prosperous playoff run.
“I feel incredibly better, physically, as well as mentally,” Bateman recently told The Athletic. “To be here today, to be able to physically play, to know that things mentally are good, all is well. I’m just letting the chips fall where they fall.”
