Elijah Sarratt Will Likely Play for Ravens on Sunday
The rookie receiver is expected to make his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints this weekend.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you believe college football standouts successfully transition to becoming reliable professional NFL players?
The Baltimore Ravens are expected to elevate rookie wide receiver Elijah Sarratt to their active roster for Sunday, September 20, 2026. This move comes as the team faces a depleted depth chart at the receiver position.
Why it matters
The Ravens are managing significant injury concerns with Zay Flowers listed as doubtful and Ja'Kobi Lane confirmed out. Sarratt, a 2026 fourth-round pick, must step into a critical role to maintain the team's offensive production.
Sarratt recorded 65 catches for 830 yards and 15 touchdowns during his 2025 season at Indiana. The Ravens selected him as the No. 115 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The players
Elijah Sarratt
He is a rookie wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens who played college football at Indiana.
Zay Flowers
He is a wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens currently listed as doubtful due to injury.
Ja'Kobi Lane
He is a wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens who has been ruled out of the upcoming Sunday game.
Rashod Bateman
He is a veteran wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens expected to lead the receiving corps on Sunday.
The details
Sarratt is expected to feature in the Baltimore offensive rotation alongside Rashod Bateman as the team looks to mitigate the absence of its top wide receivers. Coaching staff may utilize run-heavy packages to adjust for the lack of veteran depth against the New Orleans Saints.
Timeline
Sarratt recorded 82 catches for 1,191 yards during the 2023 season.
He hauled in 53 catches for 957 yards throughout the 2024 season.
The 2025 season saw him achieve 15 touchdowns for the Indiana Hoosiers.
He was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Baltimore Ravens face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Integrating Sarratt into the lineup impacts the Ravens' competitive balance during a critical early-season stretch. His performance will determine if the team must look toward the free-agent market to address their injury-depleted receiving corps.
Fantasy managers and observers should monitor Sarratt's participation levels, as he becomes a primary target for passing volume in a depleted rotation. The reliance on him against the New Orleans Saints will likely force a shift toward a more run-heavy offensive play-calling structure.
The takeaway
Rookie receivers often find their greatest opportunity for career advancement during periods of team-wide injury crises. Sarratt must capitalize on these increased targets to establish a permanent role in the Ravens' offensive scheme.
Further reading
For more on the team's depth chart updates, visit the Baltimore Football section.
Live Poll
Do you believe college football standouts successfully transition to becoming reliable professional NFL players?
