Ravens Insider: Ravens WR Rashod Bateman goes down at practice but walks off under own power

[ExtremeRavens]

The chemistry between Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and enigmatic wide receiver Rashod Bateman has continued to build over the past couple of practices in Owings Mills. That included on Monday when the latter delivered the highlight of the afternoon, going up between defensive backs Jalyn Armour-Davis and Ar’Darius Washington to haul in a 15-yard touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone near the end of the 2 1/2-hour session.

The bad news is that Bateman appeared to suffer an injury on the play as he crashed hard and awkwardly to the ground.

After hauling in the pass, the 2021 first-round pick stayed down for a minute. He eventually got to his knees and walked off with a trainer while seeming to hold his midsection or ribs.

With only about 20 minutes remaining in the padded practice, Bateman then took off his pads and laid down on a side field before eventually exiting with the rest of the team once practice was over.

Coach John Harbaugh said he wasn’t told anything yet in regards to Bateman and whether he suffered an injury.

As for the rest of the day, Bateman and Jackson found a rhythm for the second straight practice. Following a day off Sunday after Saturday’s simulated scrimmage in which Bateman had four catches for 62 yards, the receiver stood out again.

During one-on-one drills, Bateman easily beat cornerback Brandon Stephens with a fake to the inside before breaking back outside, though Jackson overshot him. Later in the same drill, the two hooked up with Bateman beating cornerback Marlon Humphrey to the back corner of the end zone. Then Bateman beat Stephens again for another catch.

Later, in more one-on-one play, it was rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins’ turn, with Bateman getting open for an easy 10-yard grab. In seven-on-seven drills, Bateman again beat Humphrey, this time on a short crossing route before making his touchdown grab in 11-on-11 competition.

It was just the latest in a series of plays Bateman has made this summer.

“He’s done really well,” defensive back Ar’Darius Washington said. “He’s making the tough catches. He’s giving us a lot of good releases off the line. ‘Bate is gonna be explosive this year. He’s gonna make a lot of plays for us.”

Harbaugh also said previously that he expects Bateman to have a big season.

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However, the speedy 6-foot-1, 195-pound fourth-year receiver has yet to find his footing after groin and foot injuries derailed much of his first two years. He’s never had more than 46 catches or 515 yards in a season and has just four career touchdowns. Last season, he had just 32 catches for 367 yards and one score despite playing in 16 games in what was his first healthy season.

Asked about what he can do to have a bigger impact this year, Bateman said two weeks ago staying healthy was a priority.

“I’m excited, and we’re going to see what’s in store,” he said in late July. “The foot is healed, and it’s not a problem anymore — thank God. Obviously, this year is different than last year. I’m healthy, 100%, and that’s all I can say about it. I don’t really want to keep talking about my injuries. It’s past me. That’s the past now, so we’re onto bigger and better things now.

“It’s not about me. I need to do what’s best for this team — whatever that is, whatever my role is. I expect my role to be bigger, and I’m ready to take on that role. So, we’ll see what happens.”

Linderbaum still sidelined

Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum missed his third straight practice with what Harbaugh had previously dubbed a “soft tissue” injury. He expounded on that a bit Monday.

“They’re kind of evaluating him,” he said. “He had some discomfort.”

Harbaugh gestured toward his neck as he described the injury but did not provide any specifics.

“We’re going to hold him out,” he continued. “We’re going to be very cautious with Tyler. It’s not anything he needs right now in terms of practice.”

Ben Cleveland was among the players getting reps at center and Harbaugh said they will also use rookie guard Andrew Vorhees there as well.

Meanwhile, wide receiver and kick returner Deonte Harty (lower leg), cornerback Trayvon Mullen (shoulder) and outside linebacker Quincy Roche were the only other players missing from practice. Rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker returned after being out Saturday.

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