Rashod Bateman Is Hoping For A Bigger Role

Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Rashod Bateman Is Hoping For A Bigger Role

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Wesley Dixon | Last updated Sep 12, 2026 5:47 PM ET

“It is the most versatile that I have been since I have been in the league [with] moving around different spots. So, I definitely see myself fitting into the game plan more and more, so we will see as the season goes.”

This is what Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman had to say on Wednesday when asked if Declan Doyle’s new offense will allow him to be a more consistent contributor. Bateman has spent much of his career as one of Baltimore’s perennial breakout candidates, and patience understandably wore thin after he managed just 19 receptions for 224 yards in 13 games last season. That came only one year after he appeared to turn a corner with 756 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024.

Doyle comes in with some new ideas and a history of working on productive offensive staffs. But with the Ravens drafting two wide receivers in Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt, one does have to wonder where Bateman fits in the pecking order.

What Doyle Brings To The Table

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman arrives before the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium.Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

When Doyle worked as offensive coordinator for the Bears last season, there was plenty of motion in their offense. According to Sharp Football Analysis, Chicago was tied for sixth in motion rate at 60.6%, well above Baltimore’s 52.1%. Much of that can be attributed to Ben Johnson, who brought a motion-heavy system from Detroit and remained the play-caller, but Doyle still played a significant role in game-planning and implementing the offense.

This could be helpful for Bateman, who was used in a very static role in 2025. He ranked 146th in slot snaps with 52 and 211th in motion rate at 1.5%, according to PlayerProfiler. He also received no designed targets and posted just a 13% target rate. Adding more movement to his role could make him less predictable and give him more favorable matchups.

This is not an indictment of how Baltimore utilized Bateman, either. The receiver still played below expectations, dropping four passes and disappearing for long stretches of games. But with a new offensive system coming in, Bateman has an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and rediscover the form he showed in 2024.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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