Rashod Bateman: Everything you need to know

Bateman (illness) is participating in OTAs this week. Bateman missed the Ravens' Week 18 regular-season finale last season due to an illness but is back to 100 percent health four-plus months later. After a career year in 2024, which saw Bateman catch 45 passes for 756 yards and nine touchdowns, the receiver missed four games in 2025 and saw his numbers experience a dramatic decline, even when he was healthy. Bateman finished last season with just 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns on 38 targets. As the coming season approaches, Bateman will again have a chance to handle WR2 duties behind Zay Flowers, with returnees Devontez Walker and LaJohntay Wester, as well as 2026 draftees Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt also in the mix for wide receiver targets in new Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle's offense.

Bateman (illness) has been downgraded from questionable to out for Sunday's game against the Steelers. Head coach John Harbaugh initially expressed optimism Friday that Bateman would be able to play in Sunday's pivotal AFC North tilt, but the fifth-year wideout will end up being sidelined after missing practice all week while battling through an illness. With Bateman sidelined, Lamar Jackson will lean more on Zay Flowers, DeAndre Hopkins, Devontez Walker, Tylan Wallace and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely in the passing game. Bateman will end the 2025 regular season with 19 catches (on 39 targets) for 224 yards and two touchdowns across 13 games. He'll aim to progress enough in his recovery to be available for the wild-card round of the AFC playoffs should the Ravens advance with a win over the Steelers on Sunday.

Bateman (illness) did not practice Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday night's regular-season finale against the Steelers, though head coach john Harbaugh said he expects the starting wideout to be cleared for Week 18, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports. Bateman has missed three straight practices due to a lingering ailment, and though Harbaugh has stated that the veteran wideout will likely suit up Week 18, his status may not be made official until roughly 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff. Lamar Jackson (back) has been cleared to return to action for Sunday's divisional matchup, in which the AFC North title will be on the line, but Bateman nonetheless remains a risky bet for production even if he's healthy. Across his last five regular-season appearances, Bateman has compiled just four catches for 40 scoreless receiving yards on nine targets.