The Baltimore Ravens head into Saturday night’s Wild Card showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers with more than just momentum on their side. They’ve won four straight games, locked up the AFC North, and boast an offense that ranks among the league’s best. But all eyes this week are on wide receiver Zay Flowers, whose knee injury casts a shadow over Baltimore’s playoff prep.
Flowers, who was injured during last weekend’s 35-10 win over the Cleveland Browns, underwent an MRI that revealed no long-term damage. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed the Pro Bowl wideout is “day-to-day,” keeping his status for the Steelers matchup uncertain.
While the Ravens are built to weather adversity, Flowers’ potential absence would shift the offensive dynamic. That said, this team has thrived under pressure all season and has no plans to let injuries derail their postseason run.
First Wild Card injury report: Flowers’ status headlines Ravens’ concerns
Baltimore released its first injury report ahead of Saturday night’s playoff game, and Flowers’ name was unsurprisingly at the top of the list. Here’s a breakdown:
Did Not Participate (DNP):
- WR Zay Flowers (knee): As Harbaugh noted, Flowers’ status remains day-to-day, and his practice participation—or lack thereof—will be closely monitored.
- TE Charlie Kolar (undisclosed): A depth concern at tight end but not a critical issue.
Limited Participation (LP):
- RB Justice Hill (illness/concussion): Hill practiced in a non-contact jersey, a positive sign for his availability on Saturday.
- S Kyle Hamilton (knee): Hamilton was limited at practice today with a knee injury
Designated to Return:
- WR/RS Deonte Harty (IR): Harty returned to practice and could contribute on special teams, a potential boost for Baltimore in a close playoff game.
Ravens can survive without Flowers—for now
Update on Zay Flowers' injury: Zay will be a long shot to play against the Steelers (unlikely to play):
From @GMFB: #Ravens WR Zay Flowers is a long-shot to play; Mike Vrabel interviews with the #Patriots tomorrow; The #Raiders fired Antonio Pierce after one season. pic.twitter.com/oND1JrxPZU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2025
Losing Zay Flowers, even temporarily, is no small blow. The star wideout has been electric this season, leading the Ravens with 1,059 receiving yards and becoming the first Baltimore receiver to earn a Pro Bowl nod based purely on offensive production. His explosive playmaking ability has helped Lamar Jackson thrive in Todd Monken’s offense, creating a passing game as dangerous as Baltimore’s ground attack.
However, Harbaugh has emphasized the team’s depth, and that will be tested if Flowers can’t suit up Saturday. Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, and Tylan Wallace are all expected to take on larger roles, with tight end Mark Andrews remaining a focal point of the offense. The running game, spearheaded by Derrick Henry, also provides a reliable fallback option.
The Ravens’ defense, led by Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey, is more than capable of carrying the load if Baltimore’s offense falters. Ranked first in scoring and total defense since Week 11, the unit thrives in high-pressure situations and will aim to make life miserable for a struggling Steelers offense.
Saturday night’s game marks the first Ravens-Steelers playoff clash in Baltimore, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Ravens are a formidable team, even if Flowers is sidelined, but his presence undoubtedly raises their ceiling. With Pittsburgh riding a four-game losing streak, Baltimore has the tools to exploit their weaknesses—especially at home, where the Ravens are 6-2 this season.
As Harbaugh said, it’s a day-to-day situation for Flowers. But even if he’s unavailable this week, the Ravens are built to fight on, setting the stage for a potential deeper playoff run. Rest assured, this team has no intention of letting injuries dictate their destiny.