The Baltimore Ravens' path to playoff glory just got a little tougher. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers will miss Saturday night’s Wild Card showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a knee injury sustained in last week’s win over Cleveland.
"Zay Flowers is not going to be able to make it to the game this week," Harbaugh said. "So he'll get started again next week and we'll move forward with the guys we have and we're excited about the guys we have, which is everybody else."
#Ravens WR Zay Flowers (knee) is out for Saturday's game vs. the #Steelers.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 9, 2025
Flowers, a first-time Pro Bowler, has been a crucial piece of Baltimore’s offense this season. Leading the team with 74 receptions for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns, he provided Lamar Jackson with a dynamic deep threat that stretched defenses and opened up the Ravens' offensive playbook. His absence will undoubtedly force Baltimore to adjust in one of their biggest games of the year.
Ravens' road through the Wild Card round officially got more challenging
Without Flowers, the Ravens will need their remaining playmakers to step up against a Steelers team that thrives on capitalizing on mistakes and turnovers.
Rashod Bateman, who has emerged as Baltimore’s second-most reliable wideout this season, will lead the receiver group. Bateman’s nine touchdowns are second only to Mark Andrews, and his ability to make plays in tight coverage will be critical in Flowers’ absence.
The tight ends, however, could be the real X-factor. Andrews remains Jackson’s go-to option in clutch moments, and Isaiah Likely offers another versatile weapon. Charlie Kolar’s return from injury adds depth, giving Baltimore multiple options to exploit mismatches in the middle of the field. The Steelers have struggled with tight end coverage this season (inserts eyes emoji).
On the ground, Derrick Henry will look to continue his dominant form. With Justice Hill back from an illness and practicing fully, the Ravens’ rushing attack remains a major threat. A heavy dose of Henry and Hill could control the tempo and keep Pittsburgh’s defense on its heels.
Defensively, Baltimore remains in strong shape. Safety Kyle Hamilton and cornerback Marlon Humphrey headline a unit that has been lights-out since Week 11. Ranked first in scoring defense, the Ravens will lean on their physicality and playmaking to stifle a Steelers offense that has been inconsistent at best.
While Flowers’ absence is a significant loss, the Ravens have consistently shown they can adapt when adversity strikes. Facing a bitter division rival in the Steelers, Baltimore will need all hands on deck—and perhaps a bit of that January magic—to keep their Super Bowl dreams alive.