The Baltimore Ravens are set to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night in a highly anticipated Divisional Round playoff matchup. With temperatures expected to hover near single digits and a trip to the AFC Championship on the line, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be a frigid heavyweight battle.
For Baltimore, the focus hasn’t just been on the weather. All week, the attention has been on wide receiver Zay Flowers, who remains sidelined with a knee injury sustained in the regular-season finale. Flowers, the team’s top wideout and a key cog in Todd Monken’s offense, hasn’t practiced at all leading up to the game.
The Ravens enter Sunday’s matchup knowing Flowers’ availability—or lack thereof—could make a significant difference against a Bills team that is undefeated at home this season.
Final Ravens Divisional Round injury report vs. Buffalo Bills
Did not participate:
WR Zay Flowers (knee)
Questionable:
None
Full participants, no injury designation:
All other players
Flowers’ absence from practice for the third straight day this week is concerning, though a brief video from the Ravens’ social media account showed him working on ladder drills before Friday’s session. While he looked sharp and agile in the clip, Flowers remains officially listed as questionable, with his status likely coming down to a game-time decision.
Putting in work! @ZayFlowers pic.twitter.com/iwGUsLqGqs
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 17, 2025
Head coach John Harbaugh has maintained that Flowers could theoretically play without practicing, though the lack of reps and the physical toll of a playoff game in Buffalo make his potential return a tough call.
Harbaugh spoke to the media again after Friday's practice and dropped an absolute six-word gem: "I think he'll have a chance." Straight from the horse's mouth. Don't believe me—take a look at the clip below.
“I think he’ll have a chance.” John Harbaugh on Zay Flowers’ availability for Sunday: pic.twitter.com/ubbordz9Tr
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 17, 2025
Between Flowers' drills and Harbaugh's nugget, things are suddenly looking much better for Flowers. On the official report, Flowers is listed officially as doubtful for the game—not out. Eye emojis everywhere. Regardless, this team has the offensive balance to win games in whatever fashion they need to.
The Ravens were able to dominate on the ground in last week’s Wild Card win over Pittsburgh, racking up 299 rushing yards behind Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. But replicating that success against a Bills defense ready for the game plan will be tougher than you'd think.
On the defensive side, Baltimore will need another stellar performance from defensive coordinator Zach Orr's unit to slow down Josh Allen and the Bills' offense. Allen, who's always been a clutch playoff performer, poses an incredible challenge that could stretch even the Ravens’ vaunted unit to its limits.
Baltimore knows what’s at stake Sunday night—a shot at another AFC Championship and a chance to prove they’re built for the biggest moments. Flowers’ absence would certainly complicate matters, but this is a team that has thrived on overcoming adversity all season.
Flowers’ status will likely come down to a game-time decision. Whether or not he suits up, Baltimore has shown all season that they thrive on adversity. But if the shifty wideout seen in that practice video can somehow make it onto the field Sunday, it could be the spark that pushes the Ravens one step closer to the AFC Championship.
The question now is simple: can the Ravens weather the storm in Buffalo, both figuratively and literally? Time will tell.