Baltimore Ravens Livid After No-Call On Play That Injured WR Rashod Bateman
The Baltimore Ravens secured a hard-fought road victory against the Minnesota Vikings, but the win was overshadowed by an injury to receiver Rashod Bateman and his head coach’s pointed criticism of the play that caused it. John Harbaugh voiced his frustration over what he believes was a missed call on a dangerous hip-drop tackle.
Baltimore Ravens WR Rashod Bateman Injured In Win
The injury occurred near the goal line when Bateman was tackled from the side by Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. The play resulted in a high ankle sprain for Bateman, who was seen in a walking boot after the game. For Harbaugh, the issue was not just the injury, but the nature of the tackle itself.
“What is a hip-drop tackle?” Harbaugh asked rhetorically during his press conference. “It’s an enigma, apparently, that can’t be called. It looked like a hip-drop tackle, I think so, based on the definition.”
Bateman also expressed surprise that no penalty was thrown on the play. The hip-drop tackle, which the NFL has made a point of emphasis to eliminate, occurs when a defender grabs a ball carrier, rotates, and drops their weight onto the player’s legs. It has been a controversial play due to its high potential for causing significant lower-body injuries.
Impact on the Ravens
While Harbaugh stated he believes Bateman “is gonna be OK,” a high ankle sprain often means missed time. The coach indicated that the team would know more about his status later in the week, but his availability for their upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns is now in doubt.
Bateman’s potential absence is another test for a Ravens receiving corps that has been looking for consistent production. The former first-round pick has 16 catches and two touchdowns this season, and while his numbers aren’t staggering, his role in the offense is important. His injury, coupled with the news that cornerback Marlon Humphrey will miss time after finger surgery, puts a strain on the team’s depth as they fight for position in the competitive AFC North.
A League-Wide Issue
Harbaugh’s comments bring the hip-drop tackle back into the spotlight. The league has made efforts to legislate the play out of the game for safety reasons, but officiating it remains a challenge. The tackle that injured Bateman serves as another example of why the play is so concerning to players and coaches. As the Ravens prepare to move forward, the incident highlights the ongoing debate between player safety and the physical nature of the game. For Baltimore, the immediate concern is the health of their receiver and how they will adjust if he is sidelined.
