Ravens sit atop the AFC North despite injuries to key personnel

At 3-1, the Baltimore Ravens have been undoubtedly the best team in the AFC North despite crucial injuries.

Still, the Ravens will face the Steelers in week 5 with a chance to start the season 3-0 vs. divisional opponents.

Buy Ravens Tickets

Below is a list of key players missing from the Ravens lineup that are likely to make an impact later in the season.

Odell Beckham Jr.

Apr 13, 2023; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (center), head coach John Harbaugh (left), and executive vice president & general manager Eric DeCosta (right) speak to media at his introduction press conference at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was signed to a $15 million one-yead deal this offseason to help the Baltimore Ravens in the passing game. However, his week 2 ankle injury has forced him to act as a mentor on the sideline as he recovers. The Super Bowl LVI champion is reported as day-to-day but did not participate in practice last week.

Rashod Bateman

Aug 26, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) works out against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted in the 1st round of the 2021 draft, wide receiver Rashod Bateman has been spotty in his appearances for the Ravens. Bateman played just six games last season yet will be looking to live up to the potential he showed in week 2 vs the Miami Dolphins last season. Once Bateman is fully recovered from his nagging foot injury expect him to make a huge impact.

Marlon Humphrey

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey looks on during pre-game warm-ups before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Even in his absence, Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey still receives acclaim as a shutdown corner. Humphrey hasn’t played since Jan. 15 but registered 53 solo tackles and three interceptions last season. Humphrey keeps his spirits up by talking sports daily online but is a missed asset to the Ravens defense. Once recovered from his nagging foot injury expect him to return fully refreshed.

David Ojabo

Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare-USA TODAY Sports

Harbaugh stated that Ojabo could be out for the season and is currently weighing his options after being placed on injured reserve.

Last season, Ojabo missed all but two games during his rookie season as he recovered from a torn Achilles. Ojabo played just four snaps in the loss to the Colts in Week 3 before exiting.

Ojabo had a sack/fumble in the Ravens’ opening game against the Texans, but he’ll now wait and see about the rest of this season.