The Baltimore Ravens received some much-needed relief this week as head coach John Harbaugh provided an update on star wide receiver Zay Flowers. After leaving Saturday’s 35-10 win over the Cleveland Browns with a knee injury, Flowers underwent an MRI on Sunday. The good news? No long-term damage.
“It’s not a season-ending injury,” Harbaugh announced during Monday’s press conference. “He’ll be day-to-day and will do everything he can to return as quickly as possible. We’ll see how things progress.” While Harbaugh didn’t disclose the specifics of the injury, it’s clear Flowers has avoided a serious setback.
The big question remains: Will Flowers be ready for Saturday night’s Wild Card showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers? As of now, the answer is uncertain. The Ravens’ medical staff will monitor Flowers throughout the week, and his practice participation will determine his availability for game day.
Losing Flowers would undoubtedly be a significant setback. The dynamic second-year receiver has been exceptional this season, leading the team with 1,059 receiving yards and earning a Pro Bowl selection for his contributions as a receiver, not a return specialist—a first for a Ravens wideout.
Flowers’ speed and playmaking ability have been critical to Baltimore’s offense, fueling Lamar Jackson’s MVP-caliber season. However, the Ravens are not a team that crumbles without one player. Rashod Bateman, who has quietly had a strong season, is ready to take on a larger role if needed. “It’s not just Rashod,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said. “We have a lot of weapons. We can move guys around, scheme creatively, and everyone can contribute.”
Tight end Mark Andrews remains a dependable target, and the Ravens’ potent ground game, spearheaded by Derrick Henry, provides a reliable offensive balance. Additionally, depth receivers like Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace, and rookie Tez Walker have proven they can step up when called upon.
Defensively, Baltimore has the talent to carry the load if Flowers is sidelined. Key players like Marlon Humphrey, Roquan Smith, and Kyle Hamilton have anchored the Ravens’ defense all season, and they’ll be ready to rise to the occasion again.
If Flowers does sit out this week, it could be a strategic opportunity to rest him for a potential divisional-round matchup. With a 6-2 record at home, the Ravens have the depth and resilience to take down the Steelers without him.
While fans may be anxious about Flowers’ status, Baltimore’s Super Bowl aspirations remain intact. Time and again, this team has demonstrated its ability to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges.
As Harbaugh said, “We’ll take it day by day.” And when Flowers returns, the Ravens will be even more dangerous.
