Before the 2023 NFL season, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman thought that he might not play for the entire year after possibly needing surgery on his foot.
Instead, Bateman played in 16 of the Ravens' 17 games this season, a career-high and huge accomplishment for a player who has struggled so much with injury.
"Nobody really knows that, but I think I can tell that story now because I've made it this far," Bateman said. "When I first got back here, me and the coaches and training staff, we didn't even know if I was going to be able to play this year. We thought I might need another surgery. I was in pain and I wasn't seeing the results. I wasn't able to physically run or cut or put pressure on my foot. Based on my rehab, I was supposed to be able to train this offseason and show up for training camp in tip-top shape. That was according to my surgery date and the rehab process. Unfortunately, my foot took a left turn this past offseason."
It was the first time in Bateman's career that he had played over 12 games in a season, as the wide receiver has had his first two seasons cut short due to injury.
Baltimore drafted Bateman out of Minnesota with the No. 27 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
He caught 32 passes this year for 367 yards and a touchdown and played 610 offensive snaps which is the most he's played in one season for his career. In three seasons, he has recorded 93 catches for 1,167 yards and four touchdowns.
The Ravens are on a bye this week while the NFL's Wild Card Weekend plays out, and they will play next during the divisional round.
More must-reads: