Rashod Bateman to undergo groin surgery; return “sometime in September”

Following practice on Thursday, Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh announced that the team’s rookie first-round selection, wide receiver Rashod Bateman, will undergo groin surgery in the next day or two.

Bateman missed time last week with muscle tightness, then ultimately injured his groin running routes during one-on-one drills during Tuesday’s practice.

The former Minnesota Golden Gopher flashed his outstanding route running, speed and ball skills during the first few two weeks of training camp before injury settled in. Bateman made several highlight catches against All-Pro teammate, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, including one at an open stadium practice that went viral.

With Bateman set to return “sometime in September” that means that he will likely see his first action against the Kansas City Chiefs (Sept. 19), Detroit Lions (Sept. 26) or Denver Broncos (Oct. 3). The rookie’s absence will open doors for receivers Devin Duvernay, James Proche and Tylan Wallace, who have all flashed during camp.

With wide receivers Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin working their way back from hamstring injuries, the Ravens will need to rely on the depth of their receiving corps — which will get plenty of practice and preseason reps to prove they’re ready to step into larger roles come September.