Former Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman to have groin surgery

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Thursday that rookie receiver Rashod Bateman was set to have groin surgery and should be back sometime in September.

That announcement came a day after Harbaugh said Bateman was expected to miss "a number of weeks" with a soft tissue problem.

Bateman was drafted in the first round by the Ravens. Baltimore is trying to boost its passing game after finishing last in that department a season ago.

The Ravens play their first preseason game Saturday night against New Orleans.

"I don't know how many [weeks]," Harbaugh said at a press conference. "It's not going to be months, but it will be weeks and we'll see where we're at."

Bateman, the No. 27 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, never missed a contest during 31 collegiate games. He finished his Gophers career fifth in receiving touchdowns (19), and sixth in receptions (147) and receiving yards (2,395).

Bateman posted on his Instagram account:

"Thank you to everyone who reached out concerning my injury. This is tough with it being the first injury in my career, but I trust that God has a plan for me. The future is bright, and this is just a small bump in the road. My eyes are set on getting right back to help this team. Be back soon."