Ravens rookie WR Rashod Bateman will debut ‘when the time is right,’ Greg Roman says

Ravens rookie wide receiver Rashod Bateman is “looking good,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Thursday, but his potential NFL debut Sunday could be a limited one.

Bateman, the No. 27 overall pick in the NFL draft, has practiced for the past two-plus weeks, getting back into shape as he recovers from a groin injury he suffered in training camp. Roman said there’s a “chance” Bateman could play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, but wouldn’t say the former University of Minnesota star is “game-ready.”

“He obviously hadn’t played football for a while” before returning to practice, Roman said. “Got the procedure done, and he’s looking good. He’s looking good. I think as he ramps in, he should do nothing but get better. His temperament, his attitude, everything’s been A-plus. I don’t think we’re going to throw him into the fire for every play. I think we’re going to build him into the plan on a week-to-week basis.”

Wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown said Thursday that he’s “very excited” to see Bateman play. With starter Sammy Watkins (hamstring) unlikely to play this weekend, the Ravens will need their receiving corps to step up in his absence. But the Ravens’ coaching staff has cautioned patience with Bateman and Miles Boykin, who made his season debut Monday against the Indianapolis Colts.

“Rashod’s going to have a long and fruitful career, and this is just the first step,” Roman said. “So we will integrate him into the plan when the time is right.”