Rashod Bateman was present during the first week of the Baltimore Ravens OTAs. He wasn’t spotted during the most recent media-open practice session. The immediate reaction for many is simple: No worries. After all, this portion of the offseason program is voluntary. Players are not required to attend, and veterans frequently miss sessions for various reasons. Still, some absences naturally attract more attention than others. Bateman’s falls into that category. The veteran receiver is entering an important season, and the Ravens are simultaneously installing a new offense under coordinator Declan Doyle.
Logic suggests that every additional rep would be beneficial. That’s part of the reason Lamar Jackson’s presence has drawn praise. Whenever a new system is introduced, it is valuable to have as many key contributors available as possible. Then again, that’s only one side of the conversation. When a player unexpectedly misses practice, questions inevitably follow. Is there an injury? Is everything okay away from football? Is there a reason for concern? Fortunately for Ravens fans, Coach Doyle offered a straightforward explanation while speaking with reporters.
Declan Doyle quickly put concerns about Rashod Bateman to rest
“[Bateman]’s been around. He’s dealing with some personal things, and so, he hasn’t been here for a little bit. He was here that first week. We were able to work with him quite a bit, and then he was here pretty much the whole offseason every day. He’s an early morning guy, so a lot of times I’d be going to work out, and he’s in there doing stuff by himself at times. So, I’ve been pleased with him. Obviously, anytime guys are here, we’re working with the guys that are here, and the guys that aren’t, we’re expecting them to be working kind of on their own, but I’m excited for him to get back in here at [mandatory] camp and keep rolling.”
New Ravens OC Declan Doyle said he’s pleased with WR Rashod Bateman’s progress. He also explained his absence: pic.twitter.com/iAAMDkEB5j
— Giana Han (@giana_jade) June 2, 2026
Absence from practice can spark speculation. Doyle’s comments suggest there is little reason for concern. Bateman will handle whatever he needs to away from the field. He’ll be back soon enough. Until then, the Ravens sound confident that he remains on track heading into the 2026 NFL season.
As expected, one of Baltimore’s most important offensive weapons remains fully invested in both the team and the process. Doyle’s remarks shifted the focus away from why Bateman wasn’t at practice and back to what matters most.
The Ravens expect him to return and continue building chemistry in the new offense. They expect him tp play a significant role in what the Ravens hope will be a championship-caliber season. Until then, the focus is on the work he has already put in rather than the handful of practices he has missed. That may be the strongest endorsement of all.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Declan Doyle explains Rashod Bateman’s absence from Ravens OTAs