Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devin Duvernay Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens using 'Band-Aid solution' for deeper receiver problem

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 12/22/22

The Ravens have a big receiver problem. Now their "Band-Aid solution" mentality is catching up to them, potentially dooming Baltimore's season.

Dealing with the injury bug once again this year, Baltimore is down multiple receivers whom they had hoped would make an impact on offense. Three of the four receivers drafted since 2020 are on injured reserve, forcing the team to bring in other teams' leftovers.

Three of the four Ravens WRs drafted since 2020 are now on injured reserve:

• Rashod Bateman (foot, season ending)
• Devin Duvernay (foot, severity unknown)
• Tylan Wallace (hamstring, expected to return this season)

Only James Proche II has avoided a significant injury.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) December 20, 2022

The Ravens brought in WR DeSean Jackson a couple of months ago, and most recently claimed WR Sammy Watkins after his release by the Packers.

Baltimore's receiving corps is underwhelming, ranking 29th in catches, last in yards and 30th in touchdowns.

Ravens WRs on active roster:

-Demarcus Robinson (signed when cut by Raiders in August)
-DeSean Jackson (joined in October)
-James Proche (6th-round pick in 2020)
-Sammy Watkins (claimed off waivers Tues.)

Ravens WRs in 2022:
Catches: 114 (29th)
Yards: 1,328 (last)
TD: 6 (30th)
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 20, 2022

The Ravens' lack of talent at wide receiver has made them one-dimensional. It's worrisome as they're fighting for a playoff spot after being passed by the Bengals for the AFC North lead.

It helps that Watkins has previous experience with Baltimore, but there's still a transition to be made.

"Being that I already kind of know from being here before, it's definitely a great feeling," Watkins said, who added that he still has "a lot of catching up" to do.

Maybe Watkins can provide a spark on offense if Baltimore can find their way into the postseason. He has earned the nickname "Playoff Sammy."

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