Rashod Bateman 'Hopeful' to Be Back for Season-Opener Against Raiders
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens rookie first-round pick Rashod Bateman is dealing with a soft tissue injury to his leg, but the wide receiver could be ready for the regular-season opener in Las Vegas.
Bateman limped off the field early in the Aug. 10 practice and was not able to return. He sustained the injury while running a route against cornerback Marcus Peters.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh expects Bateman to be sidelined for weeks, which leaves open the possibility of playing against the Raiders. Harbaugh is "still hopeful" Bateman will be available for that game.
"He has a soft tissue leg issue that's going to be weeks. It'll be a number of weeks," Harbaugh said. "So, I don't know how many. It's not going to be months. But it will be weeks. We'll see where we're at."
Bateman has been impressive throughout the offseason workouts with his route running and ability to catch the ball downfield. He's expected to make a major impact on the offense this season.
“This is tough with it being the first injury in my career but I trust God has a plan for me," Bateman wrote on Instagram. "The future is bright and this is a small bump in the road. My eyes are set on getting right back to help this team. Be back soon.”
The injury to Bateman is a troublesome trend for the Ravens over the early days of training camp.
Three other wide receivers — Marquise Brown (hamstring), Miles Boykin (hamstring) and Deon Cain (undisclosed) — are also sidelined with injuries.
As a result, the Ravens could be short-handed at wideout for the first preseason game on Aug. 14 against the Saints.
