The Baltimore Ravens and their fans collectively held their breath when star wide receiver Zay Flowers limped off the field during Saturday’s 35-10 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Flowers, Baltimore’s leading receiver and a key cog in their playoff aspirations, took an awkward hit to the knee in the second quarter and didn’t return. The initial concern was palpable—but there’s good news.
Head coach John Harbaugh reassured fans postgame, saying the injury is something "he has a chance to be OK with,” pending the results of an MRI. NFL insider Ian Rapoport later reported that Flowers likely suffered a sprain, not a major injury. While there’s a “real chance” he could miss next week’s Wild Card game, his postseason availability beyond that looks promising.
“It’s something that he has a chance to be okay with.” Head Coach Harbaugh with an update on Zay Flowers pic.twitter.com/KW3Yay7gbn
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 5, 2025
Sure, the thought of entering the playoffs without your Pro Bowl wideout is unsettling, but let’s not hit the panic button just yet. Flowers’ injury might sound like a setback, but it’s far from a death knell for Baltimore’s Super Bowl hopes.
Updated after post was published: Zay Flowers ruled day-to-day with knee injury.
Zay Flowers' absence won't clip the Ravens' wings
First, let’s take a moment to appreciate how critical Flowers has been to this team.
In just his second NFL season, he’s racked up 1,059 receiving yards on 74 catches, becoming the Ravens’ first 1,000-yard receiver since 2021. His speed, route running, and ability to create plays have given Baltimore’s offense a new dimension, helping Lamar Jackson deliver an MVP-caliber campaign.
Baltimore isn’t built like a team that relies on one star to carry the load. The Ravens have depth and versatility, and this roster has been battle-tested all season. Rashod Bateman, who had a strong showing against the Browns, is more than capable of stepping into a larger role. Add in Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, and a resurgent ground game led by Derrick Henry, and you’ve got an offense that can still pack a punch—even if Flowers isn’t on the field next week.
Let’s also not forget the Ravens’ newfound identity: a defensive powerhouse that’s more than capable of taking over games. With playmakers like Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, and Kyle Van Noy wreaking havoc, Baltimore doesn’t need to win shootouts.
The timing of the injury, while unfortunate, isn’t catastrophic. If Flowers sits out the Wild Card round, it gives him extra time to recover for a potential divisional matchup. And let’s be honest: If the Ravens can’t survive one game without him, they likely weren’t making a deep playoff run anyway.
For now, the Ravens can take solace in two things: the initial reports indicate Flowers’ injury isn’t season-ending, and this team has the depth, talent, and resolve to hold the fort until he returns. So, while it’s natural to be concerned, let’s save the doom and gloom.
Baltimore’s season doesn’t hinge on one player, and as long as Flowers is back when it matters most, the Ravens remain a serious contender.