Rashod Bateman Returns to Minnesota for Joint Practices and Preseason Game
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and former Gophers star Rashod Bateman returned to Minnesota this week for joint practices and a preseason game against the Vikings. Bateman expressed his happiness to be back in the state where he played college football.

Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, August 21, 2026 —
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman made a return to Minnesota this week, participating in joint practices and a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. Bateman, a former star player for the University of Minnesota Gophers, expressed his positive sentiments about being back in the state where he played his college football.
The joint practices provided an opportunity for the Ravens and Vikings to scrimmage and prepare for the upcoming NFL season. Bateman, who played for the Gophers from 2018 to 2020 before being drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, was able to reconnect with his roots in Minnesota.
During his time at the University of Minnesota, Bateman established himself as a prominent player, amassing significant receiving statistics. His return to the state for these events marks a notable moment for the young wide receiver, allowing him to engage with the community and football scene where his collegiate career flourished.
The preseason game offered a chance for fans in Minnesota to see Bateman compete against his former college team. The full details of Bateman’s performance in the game and his specific comments about returning were not provided in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Darren Wolfson on kstp.com, see more information here.