The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for their first playoff clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a decade, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a 12-5 record and home-field advantage at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens have momentum on their side. But injuries are a looming concern—especially the status of star wide receiver Zay Flowers, who has yet to practice this week.
Flowers, the Ravens’ leading receiver, suffered a knee injury in last weekend’s 35-10 win over the Cleveland Browns. While head coach John Harbaugh has reassured fans that it’s not a season-ending issue, Flowers has now missed two consecutive practices, leaving his availability for Saturday night’s Wild Card showdown in serious doubt.
As the Ravens prepare for this high-stakes matchup, they’ll need all hands on deck. While Flowers’ potential absence is significant, Baltimore has shown resilience all season and will look to lean on its depth to weather the storm.
Ravens will most likely be without Zay Flowers
The Ravens’ initial injury report for the playoff opener sheds light on the team’s health heading into Saturday’s game. Here’s the breakdown:
Did Not Participate (DNP):
- WR Zay Flowers (knee): Flowers remains sidelined, putting his status for Saturday in serious question.
- WR/RS Deonte Harty (knee): After returning to practice Tuesday, Harty was notably absent Wednesday, raising doubts about his availability.
Full Participation (FP):
- S Kyle Hamilton (knee): Hamilton was limited on Tuesday but fully participated Wednesday, putting him on track to play against Pittsburgh.
- RB Justice Hill (illness): Hill has shed his non-contact jersey and fully practiced Wednesday, signaling he’s ready to return.
How the Ravens plan to adapt if Flowers can’t go
Zay Flowers has been a game-changer in Baltimore’s offense this season, leading the team with 1,059 receiving yards and earning his first Pro Bowl nod. His ability to stretch defenses vertically has been instrumental in Lamar Jackson’s MVP-caliber campaign. But if Flowers can’t suit up, the Ravens are confident they can adapt.
Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, and Tylan Wallace will all need to step up, with tight end Mark Andrews remaining a crucial target for Jackson. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s ground game—powered by Derrick Henry and Justice Hill’s expected return—should help balance the offense.
On defense, the Ravens will rely on their All-Pro playmakers, including Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey, to keep Pittsburgh’s struggling offense in check. Baltimore’s defense, which has been dominant since Week 11, is well-equipped to carry the team if the offense needs time to adjust.
Good Morning Football said it'll be a long shot for Flowers to play—he'll most likely be out:
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
All eyes will be on Thursday's final injury report, but even if Flowers is sidelined, this Ravens squad is ready to defend their home turf and make a deep playoff run.