The 2024 NFL season is a big year for wide receiver Rashod Bateman after a disappointing first three seasons to start his NFL career. The 2021 first-round pick’s time with the Baltimore Ravens has been marred with injuries so far, which have held him back from reaching the potential that made him a top-32 pick in the first place.
The Ravens showed their belief in Bateman this offseason by signing him to a two-year extension to keep him in Baltimore through the 2026 season. Building chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson is imperative during training camp, so it was disappointing when Jackson missed several days with an illness. Jackson returned to practice, but Bateman left the field early on Monday with an apparent injury.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was asked about Bateman’s injury.
“I don’t think it’s a serious thing, it’s just kind of a little soreness deal,” Harbaugh said. “They took him in to be safe.”
Bateman is expected to be a significant player in Baltimore’s passing attack this season after veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. left in free agency to sign with the Miami Dolphins. The Ravens did not bring in any major competition at wide receiver in free agency. They waited until the draft’s fourth round to address the position with Devontez Walker.
Bateman finished the 2023 season with 367 receiving yards and one touchdown on 32 catches, making him fifth on the team in receiving yards behind rookie first-round wide receiver Zay Flowers, tight end Mark Andrews, Beckham Jr., and veteran receiver Nelson Agholor.