Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman, right guard Daniel Faalele and outside linebacker Odafe Oweh were limited in Wednesday’s practice, clouding the availability of three starters for Saturday’s pivotal game against the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bateman was a full participant in Tuesday’s practice but was limited by a foot injury Wednesday. Bateman, who has a career-high 654 receiving yards this year, missed much of the 2022 season with a Lisfranc (foot) injury that required surgery. He also dealt with a minor knee injury two weeks ago, though he responded with an 80-yard, two-touchdown game Sunday against the New York Giants.
Reserve wide receiver Nelson Agholor (concussion protocol) has yet to practice this week, putting further strain on the Ravens’ potential options out wide Saturday. With a win at M&T Bank Stadium, the Steelers would claim the AFC North title.
Faalele (knee) has played 100% of the Ravens’ offensive snaps this season and is coming off his highest-graded game yet, according to Pro Football Focus. If he’s unavailable Saturday, the Ravens could turn to Andrew Vorhees, Ben Cleveland or Josh Jones inside.
Oweh (ankle) is second on the team in sacks (eight) and had a season-high 2.5 against the Steelers in the Ravens’ Week 11 loss. Oweh has played 57% of the Ravens’ defensive snaps this season. If he’s limited or sidelined Saturday, Tavius Robinson could take on a larger role.
Running back Justice Hill, a reliable blocker and dangerous receiving threat, missed practice Wednesday for a personal day. He had five catches for 61 yards and two carries for 7 yards in the Ravens’ win over the Giants and has played in every game this season.
Cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (hamstring) missed his second straight practice Wednesday, while wide receiver Diontae Johnson remains excused from team activities.
Pittsburgh was missing a handful of projected starters Wednesday, including top wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring), cornerback Donte Jackson (back) and safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring), along with backup quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal). Star outside linebacker T.J. Watt (ankle) and starting defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi (groin) were limited.
Ball security a ‘priority’
A local reporter captured footage of Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken working with the team’s wide receivers on a ball security drill Wednesday, and for good reason.
The Steelers, whose defense is renowned for aggressively punching out the ball, have recovered an NFL-high 15 forced fumbles this season. Running back Derrick Henry lost a fumble on the Ravens’ opening possession in their Week 11 loss in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers converted it into a field goal.
“It’s every week, but I’ve been here for three games [against the Steelers], and we’ve turned it over eight times; we’ve fumbled it seven times,” Monken said. “If that doesn’t tell you that [it’s] a priority, I don’t know what is.”
The clip shows Monken running over to the group to offer instructions.
