Ravens activate 2 players off injured reserve; 3 defenders from Reserve/COVID-19 list

The Baltimore Ravens made a handful of roster transactions on Wednesday involving some starters and key contributors on both sides of the ball. The most notable was return of 2021 first-round pick Rashod Bateman who, along with Miles Boykin, was designated to return from injured reserve.

The two young wideouts missed the first three games of the regular season as well as the entirety of the preseason with soft tissue injuries suffered early in training camp. Both players returned to the practice field for the first time in nearly two months.

Bateman was turning heads and dazzling in camp before he went down. He showcased his dynamic playmaking ability all over the field and likely would've had a significant role on offense to start the season had be been healthy.

Boykin started 24 of possible 32 career games through his first two seasons and is the Ravens best downfield perimeter blocker in the run game. His return will add another weapon in the passing game and lead to more long runs on the ground as well.

The Ravens went into their Week 3 matchup against the Detroit Lions severely shorthanded in the trenches on defense after placing four defenders on the reserve COVID-19 list last Friday. They activated three of the four on Wednesday: outside linebacker Justin Houston and defensive tackles Justin Madubuike and Brandon Williams.

The trio had to sit out this past Sunday's dramatic last second win after being deemed close contacts to outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson, who tested positive for COVID and remains on the reserve list for the time being.