OTL: Ravens are Rumored to Be In on a Trade for…WHO?!

This week has been a big week for the Ravens. Not only because of their win streak in the preseason being snapped but also because we finally got to hear from two of the most important members of the offense that had gone radio silent until this week. We also had the Ravens rumored to be in on a pricey offensive player, but does it make sense to trade for said player?

Let’s get the important stuff out of the way. Rashod Bateman and J.K. Dobbins have finally both gotten their chance to speak at the podium.

These are two huge pieces to the team’s success, and they are both getting back to playing at full strength:

After challenging offseasons, J.K. Dobbins and Rashod Bateman say they are healthier, content and excited about the present.
And that’s significant for a Ravens team that badly needs big years from both. https://t.co/LjtCRZwP0c

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 24, 2023

Let’s get into what Dobbins said first because his situation was less to do with injury than Bateman.

Dobbins has had a very cryptic offseason, as he joined ruunning backs across the NFL on a mini-strike as they tried to fight the almighty Shield. It went as well as could have been expected, with the majority of the players campaigning for more respect who just ended up reporting to their teams a little later, having gained nothing.

Tuesday was the first time Dobbins spoke about his apparent hold-in with the team, but he had another story to tell:

J.K. Dobbins said he didn’t practice early in camp out of “precaution.””It was super tough, but we’ll got through it.” pic.twitter.com/zRJTfYx955

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 23, 2023

It is not surprising that Dobbins didn’t admit to “holding in,” and he totally could have been out due to “precaution,” like he says. However, all the other reports and his actions on social media tell a different story. Dobbins could be lying and the reason he came back was because he and the rest of the running backs holding in realized that their efforts were not going anywhere and they had to abandon ship.

I am willing to simply forget what Dobbins pulled because he seems like he made amends with the Ravens:

Dobbins said DeCosta is best GM in league. “It will get worked out. It is what it is.”

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 23, 2023

This could all be lies, and Dobbins could only be here to try and produce to get the huge payday he desires, but for right now this seems like a closed case. I understand the frustration with Dobbins but it looks like the team and player want to move on from it so you know what? Sure, I am willing to move on.

Now for a situation that is much easier to talk about, Rashod Bateman.

Bateman just got back a couple of weeks ago after working hard to return after his second straight lost year due to injuries.

This was also his first podium session this year and he opened up about his situation:

Rashod Bateman: “It’s been tough but I’m happy to be here.” He said his foot feels good. Estimates he feels 99 percent. “Very close.” pic.twitter.com/1mPHZz2hkN

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 23, 2023

I feel so bad for Bateman, who no doubt is frustrated about losing his first two seasons due to injuries. He even opened up about how difficult it was for him because he had never been injured until he came into the NFL. That hurts your soul because you stop thinking about the player and start thinking about the person in these situations. It, at the least, seems like Bateman is ready to go for the season and he won’t have to hold back which is great because the Ravens need him.

Speaking of what the Ravens need, what they certainly don’t need is another running back, yet a report says they are linked to a superstar looking to get paid:

𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: The #Bears are expected to reach out to the #Colts in regards to all pro runningback Jonathan Taylor, per @MarinoNFL #Dolphins, #Eagles, #Ravens and others have been linked to him now. pic.twitter.com/117IsOaJvA

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) August 23, 2023

I feel like the Charlie Day meme trying to convince myself how this even makes sense. The only way it does is if Dobbins is involved in the trade, but why would the Ravens trade for another frustrated running back who, like Dobbins, also wants to get paid?

This just seems like someone using the Ravens name to get more clicks because…wow, this makes no sense.

We only have one more preseason game left and a couple more weeks until Week 1.

We are close, Ravens fans.