Rewind to last summer.
Artavis Scott was having one heck of a training camp and preseason.
Looking to make the Chargers' 53-man roster after spending the previous season on the team's practice squad was one of the wide receiver's goals, and the way he performed in the summer had him trending in that direction.
But then, it ended in a flash.
In the team's final preseason game in San Francisco, Scott injured his ankle and was subsequently placed on the Reserve-Injured list, ending his season before it even began.
But now, he's back. Fully healthy, Scott's been on the field this week at OTAs, and based on what Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn said Monday, he looks to be back to form.
"I thought Artavis (Scott) was having a heck of an offseason for us last year before he got hurt," Lynn said. "He has picked up where he left off."
"It's such a blessing just being able to come out here with my brothers," Scott said of being back on the field. "Watching another season, again, and not being able to be out there, I'm just thankful to be out here running around and getting back to being my old self."
Patience has been the ultimate virtue for Scott.
As Clemson's all-time leading receptions receiver, he initially made the Chargers as an undrafted rookie free agent, but has now had to wait two years to potentially play in his first regular season NFL game.
But as hard as 2017 was for him, 2018 was even tougher.
"It was one of the hardest things I've had to deal with," he reflected. "When you think you've done enough to be able to just make the team, and you just sit for another year, it's tough. I stayed in good spirits. The Lord sat me down to make way for somebody else, so I just tried to keep myself up and motivated knowing God had a plan for me…. When you get hurt, human nature is to feel sorry for yourself and just be down. But I just tried to keep my spirits up. Just being around everybody and getting good laughs in. It did affect me knowing I couldn't be there, but being around my people, it kept my mindset focused."
Scott knew he could only control the things in his control. So, he decided to attack 2018 with a new mindset and stay as involved as he could, by coming into work every day like he was prepping for a game.
"Even though I (couldn't) play, I just wanted to feel like I was part of the team. Not just staying home and coming in when everybody was leaving for treatment. I tried to come in every day as if I was going to play. Just trying to prep that way so I can be around. Being at home was pretty boring! So I just wanted to be around the team, come in here every day and work out."
Along with citing it as a blessing, Scott couldn't be more excited for another opportunity to showcase his skills this offseason and in training camp. While he admits he still is looking to grow as a player, he's hoping 2019 will be his chance to finally capitalize on what he's missed the last two seasons.
"There are a lot of things I need to learn, still, to bring out my full potential," he said. "But I think if I stay on it (by) studying the ins and outs of the playbook and play with confidence, everything is going to take care of itself."
