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Contract-year pressure cooker: Rashod Bateman drops reps while two rookies circle
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- Contract-year pressure cooker: Rashod Bateman drops reps while two rookies circle
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images
Rashod Bateman's absence from OTAs isn't cause for alarm just yet, but it does leave the Ravens a bit short on continuity in a position that quietly became more important this summer.
According to offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, Bateman is handling some personal matters and hasn't been around OTAs for a bit. "He's an early morning guy, so a lot of times I'd be going to work out, and he's in there doing stuff by himself at times," Doyle said. "I've been pleased with him."
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This isn't expected to be a long-term issue, but until Bateman returns, the Ravens have decisions to make about how they divide up receiver reps in his absence.
Why Rashod Bateman's OTA reps matter more for the Ravens this year
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
With Doyle taking over as offensive coordinator and introducing a completely new system, these offseason sessions are crucial. It's during these periods that players and coaches build trust in routes, develop timing, and define roles. Lamar Jackson has been praised for being heavily involved so far, and every rep Bateman misses is another opportunity for someone else.
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This context matters given Bateman's position. After posting just 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns across 13 games last season, the Ravens responded by selecting wide receivers Ja'Kobi Lane in the third round and Elijah Sarratt in the fourth.
The team has openly said they want to see a more driven Bateman following what was a disappointing year.
Bateman's contract year complicates matters
Bateman is entering the final year of his three-year, $15 million extension, signed in April 2024. Coming off a 19-catch season and missing voluntary reps while the team brings in new rookies adds a layer of evaluation beyond just scheduling conflicts.
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Despite that, there's been no friction. Doyle remained positive, and Bateman isn't alone among veterans choosing to skip open sessions—cornerback Marlon Humphrey made the same call after a down year. Participation is voluntary, and it's common for experienced players to sit out.
How Baltimore plans to use him going forward
The Ravens need Bateman to do more than just fill space on the depth chart; they need him to pull coverage away from other threats. Zay Flowers has solidified himself as WR1 with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and two Pro Bowl selections, while Mark Andrews remains central at tight end. When Bateman is healthy and in sync with Jackson, he brings balance to the offence—a level he last showed flashes of back in 2024 before last year's step back.
This isn't about discipline – it's about timing. Bateman has been around, and the team trusts he'll continue to work on his own. Doyle said he's looking forward to having him back. The real question is whether Baltimore can wait until training camp to make a clear assessment of one of its key receiver roles, especially with a younger group behind him and a new system being put in place.
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