Posted on Jan 03

Ravens WR Bateman ruled out for AFC North title game due to serious flu

Posted Jan 3, 2026

The Baltimore Ravens will be without starting wide receiver Rashod Bateman for the crucial AFC North title game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a severe bout of the flu.

Why it matters: Bateman's absence significantly impacts the Ravens' offensive strategy heading into a pivotal matchup.

The Ravens are vying for a playoff berth, and losing their second-year wideout alters their passing dynamic.
With Bateman out, quarterback Lamar Jackson may need to rely more on other receiving options like Mark Andrews and Devin Duvernay.

What’s new: Bateman was initially listed as questionable but was downgraded after missing all practices leading up to the game.

Coach John Harbaugh confirmed that Bateman did not travel with the team, emphasizing the severity of his illness: "He was dealing with a 'pretty serious' bout with the flu."

By the numbers: This marks the fourth game Bateman has missed this season due to various injuries and illnesses.

In 2023, he has recorded only 19 catches for a career-low 224 yards and two touchdowns.
His struggles have raised questions about his impact and reliability as a first-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft.

Yes, but: While Bateman’s absence is significant, the Ravens have shown depth in their receiving corps this season.

Jackson has successfully spread the ball around, utilizing tight ends and running backs effectively, which could mitigate the loss of Bateman in this critical game.

What to watch: The Ravens ability to adjust their offensive scheme without Bateman will be key.

They might lean more on a run-heavy approach given the potential lack of deep threats in the passing game.
Defensive schemes from the Steelers will likely aim to exploit this gap by focusing more on limiting Jackson's mobility and short passes.

The bottom line: Bateman's ongoing struggles with health continue to hinder both his development and the Ravens' offensive potential.

As they battle for playoff positioning, every player’s performance becomes vital, making Bateman's absence a notable factor in their title aspirations against a division rival.

Ravens WR Bateman ruled out for AFC North title game due to serious flu

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 3, 2026

The Baltimore Ravens will be without starting wide receiver Rashod Bateman for the crucial AFC North title game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a severe bout of the flu.

Why it matters: Bateman's absence significantly impacts the Ravens' offensive strategy heading into a pivotal matchup.

The Ravens are vying for a playoff berth, and losing their second-year wideout alters their passing dynamic.

With Bateman out, quarterback Lamar Jackson may need to rely more on other receiving options like Mark Andrews and Devin Duvernay.

What’s new: Bateman was initially listed as questionable but was downgraded after missing all practices leading up to the game.

Coach John Harbaugh confirmed that Bateman did not travel with the team, emphasizing the severity of his illness: "He was dealing with a 'pretty serious' bout with the flu."

By the numbers: This marks the fourth game Bateman has missed this season due to various injuries and illnesses.

In 2023, he has recorded only 19 catches for a career-low 224 yards and two touchdowns.

His struggles have raised questions about his impact and reliability as a first-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft.

Yes, but: While Bateman’s absence is significant, the Ravens have shown depth in their receiving corps this season.

Jackson has successfully spread the ball around, utilizing tight ends and running backs effectively, which could mitigate the loss of Bateman in this critical game.

What to watch: The Ravens ability to adjust their offensive scheme without Bateman will be key.

They might lean more on a run-heavy approach given the potential lack of deep threats in the passing game.

Defensive schemes from the Steelers will likely aim to exploit this gap by focusing more on limiting Jackson's mobility and short passes.

The bottom line: Bateman's ongoing struggles with health continue to hinder both his development and the Ravens' offensive potential.

As they battle for playoff positioning, every player’s performance becomes vital, making Bateman's absence a notable factor in their title aspirations against a division rival.