Ravens Top WR Doesn’t Report to Camp; Dobbins to PUP List, Vet RB Signed

The Baltimore Ravens started training camp on Friday without one of their top players at wide receiver.

The team placed wide receiver Rashon Bateman on the reserve/did not report list, the club announced. No reason for his absence was given.

“I have spoken to Rashod and we expect him here very soon,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement.

Bateman did participate in the spring portion of the Ravens’ offseason program while he rehabbed a foot injury that had required surgery.

The team’s first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Bateman is expected to start along with free agent acquisition Odell Beckham Jr. for the Ravens at wide receiver this year. Bateman had 515 yards on 46 catches as a rookie in 2021, but was held to just six games last season due to multiple foot injuries.

In addition to Bateman not reporting, six Ravens are not healthy enough to start practice on time. Outside linebacker Tyus Bowser was placed on the non-football injury list and running back J.K. Dobbins, defensive lineman Rayshad Nichols, fullback Patrick Ricard, wide receiver Mike Thomas and cornerback Pepe Williams were placed on the physically unable to perform list.

Dobbins is the most significant of those names as he continues to battle injuries. He missed the entire 2021 season after ACL surgery and played only seven games in2 2022 before being shut down for another knee issue.

To bolster their depth at that position, the Ravens agreed to terms with 30-year-old free agent running back Melvin Gordon III on a deal worth up to $3.1 million.

Gordon spent the last three years with the Denver Broncos, rushing 508 times for 2,222 yards. He was waived midway through the 2022 season and landed on the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs, where he did not play, but won a Super Bowl ring.