'He Kept Fighting!' Ravens John Harbaugh on Bateman Recovery

A foot injury limited Rashod Bateman to six games in 2022 for the Baltimore Ravens.

Rashod Bateman's path back to the field has been far from smooth. A foot surgery limited the Ravens' third-year receiver to just six games in 2022. After a tumultuous recovery process, Bateman was activated off the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 9. 

With his foot injury in the rearview mirror, Harbaugh talked about what it took for Bateman to return to the field and expectations for this season. 

"He cared so much," Harbaugh said. "He just cared so much, and [it] was [an] emotional rollercoaster, he'd probably tell you that. There's some emotional rollercoaster through that whole process, and he had to deal with that. Not only one individual can deal with it himself [and] you can't do anything for him that way. He kept fighting [and[ he kept working. He looks really good out there, and I'm expecting him to have a really great season." 

Through his first two seasons, the former first-round pick has 61 catches for 800 yards and three touchdowns in 18 games. 

If Bateman's recovery continues to progress well, he'd be another player who can potentially break out in Baltimore's new offense under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. There are also more weapons surrounding him with the additions of first-round receiver Zay Flowers and free agent Odell Beckham Jr. 

Bateman staying healthy and becoming a reliable target for Lamar Jackson will play a big role in the Ravens' offense going to another level. If he can stay on the field and live up to the expectations of a former first-round pick, it'd be even more rewarding after the 'emotional rollercoaster' he overcame to return. 

---

Follow the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast

Follow Raven Country on Twitter

Ravens Alert! Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?