The Baltimore Ravens aren’t just set to battle the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend. They’re also trying to dispatch influenza. A bug has hit the Ravens’ locker room with two starters falling ill days before kickoff. Per head coach John Harbaugh via Jeff Zrebiec, WR Rashod Bateman and CB Marlon Humphrey are sick with unclear statuses this weekend.
Harbaugh said both Rashod Bateman and Marlin Humphrey are sick. He said Bateman was on the field before practice, running around a bit.
He’s hopeful both will be ready to play Sunday.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) January 2, 2026
Bateman failed to practice Wednesday or Thursday due to illness. It sounds like he was limited Friday. Humphrey hadn’t shown up on the Ravens’ report this week, likely meaning he just came down with his illness. He spoke with the media yesterday and was seemingly in good health. It makes his situation more uncertain. Humphrey sat out Friday’s final practice.
For the first time in two months, Lamar Jackson practiced the entire week.
But Baltimore entered the new year much as it had spent most of 2025 — managing key absences.
This time, cornerback Marlon Humphrey missed Friday’s practice.https://t.co/4fZjpzD6nV
— Michael Howes (@Mikephowes) January 2, 2026
Flu cases are hitting record numbers. According to the CDC, there’s at least 7.5 million cases this year. Last week, more than 19,000 people were hospitalized with the flu.
Losing Humphrey would be a blow to the Ravens’ secondary. Though his coverage hasn’t been as strong as past years, his playmaking has remained. Humphrey has intercepted a pass in three-straight games, the NFL’s longest active streak, and consistently makes splash plays. Over the last two seasons, he’s the only player with at least 10 interceptions and four forced fumbles. Humphrey is also a versatile chess piece capable of playing inside or outside corner.
Bateman’s impact has been felt less. Despite starting 12 games this season, he has just 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns. In Week 14’s first meeting against Pittsburgh, he caught two passes for 23 yards.
For Baltimore, the good news is QB Lamar Jackson is expected to play Sunday night. And the Ravens aren’t dealing with a long list of injuries, though EDGE Kyle Van Noy is battling a quad that may hold him out of the week.
Odds are, Bateman and Humphrey will suit up this weekend. Missing a winner-take-all game against a rival like Pittsburgh would require severe illness. But their situations are worth watching and if they play, their performance and snap count could be impacted.