The Baltimore Ravens have a critical Week 18 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night.
Unfortunately, the Ravens will be without a starting wide receiver for matchup.
Rashod Bateman won't play vs. Steelers due to illness
Veteran receiver Rashod Bateman has been ruled out of the game due to illness, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. Bateman didn’t even take the trip to Pittsburgh with the team after missing practice throughout the week.
It will be the fourth missed game of the season for Bateman, who Baltimore selected in the first round (27th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.
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The missed game will cap off an underwhelming regular season for Bateman. His 19 total receptions is the second-lowest total of his career, while his 224 receiving yards represents a career low. He has scored two touchdowns, but that number pales in comparison to the nine he tallied last season.
Baltimore's postseason hopes hinge on their Sunday night matchup with the Steelers. With a win, the Ravens will clinch the AFC North and qualify for postseason play for a fourth consecutive season.
However, if they lose, they'll miss the playoffs for the first time since 2021, which could lead to some uncomfortable conversations about John Harbaugh's future in Baltimore.
The game between the Steelers and Ravens will kickoff Sunday night at 8:20 p.m. ET from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.