'Receiver One!' Ravens Excited as Rashod Bateman Returns from Injury
It's been a whirlwind offseason for Baltimore Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman, which is largely just the continuation of a "whirlwind" first two years in Owings Mills.
Bateman, a first-round pick in 2021, underwent season-ending surgery to repair a foot injury suffered in Week 8, forcing him to miss a majority of his second campaign.
Earlier this offseason, in the midst of his rehab, Bateman threw a jab at Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta, noting he was "tired" of the front office lying and pointing fingers at players after DeCosta admitted his struggles with drafting receivers.
But that was then, and this is now - and both the Ravens and Bateman have long moved forward, fully focused on the future and maximizing their potential, starting this week with OTAs.
During his first two seasons, Bateman has shown plenty of upside and developed a strong relationship with quarterback Lamar Jackson, who's been active at OTAs while trying to learn new offensive coordinator Todd Monken's scheme.
In a positive development for the Ravens, Bateman was present and working during the practice session - and coach John Harbaugh delivered an encouraging injury report shortly after.
"'Bate' is right on schedule from what they told us," Harbaugh said. "He's chomping at the bit, and the trainers are holding him back a little bit. We want to be cautious, probably, more than anything right now, but he wants to get out there, too."
Harbaugh said that fellow previously injured receiver Devin Duvernay has been "out there working hard" and building up stamina, another strong sign for his status.
"I feel good about those guys," said Harbaugh, of Bateman and Duvernay.
And while Harbaugh is glad to have Bateman back in the mix, perhaps nobody is happier than Jackson, who thinks quite highly of Bateman.
In the midst of his since-viral comments about passing more and running less, Jackson praised his receivers - starting with Bateman before listing free agent signee Odell Beckham Jr., first-round draft pick Zay Flowers, Duvernay and James Proche, along with tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews.
All of the depth has Jackson "very excited" ... as does the prospect of having Bateman back with him on the football field this fall.
"It's great to see my guy back out there," Jackson said. "Receiver One, for sure. I'm glad to see him back healthy. I can't wait until he's on the field."
There was a point this offseason where it seemed uncertain as to whether Jackson or Bateman would play another snap for the Ravens - but now, the duo is back and ready to help bring a trophy back to Baltimore, relying on friendship and chemistry along the way.
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