"Not ideal for Ravens": NFL insider drops concerning update on Zay Flowers ahead of divisional showdown
NFL insider Adam Schefter raised alarm bells about Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers' availability for Sunday's divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. The star receiver's continued absence from practice signals potential trouble for Baltimore's passing attack.
On Friday, Schefter reposted Ravens beat writer Jamison Hensley's practice report about Flowers, adding his brief but pointed observation about the situation.
"Not ideal for the Ravens:" Schefter commented on Hensley's report which said:
"Ravens WR Zay Flowers (knee) did not practice Friday, which is the last full one before Sunday's divisional game. He has not practiced all week."
The timing proves particularly critical as Baltimore prepares to face Buffalo Bills. Zay Flowers hasn't practiced since injuring his knee in Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns, missing six consecutive sessions.
Flowers led the team with 74 catches for 1,059 yards this season.
Zay Flowers can "play without practicing," says coach
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is hopeful of Zay Flowers participating in the divisional showdown.
"We'll see toward the end of the week if he's practicing," Harbaugh said at his Monday press conference. "And he can play without practicing, for sure, if he feels healthy enough and if it's safe for him."
Baltimore showcased their adaptability without Flowers in last week's wild-card victory over Pittsburgh. The Ravens pounded out 299 rushing yards while controlling the clock for nearly 40 minutes. Steven Sims and Anthony Miller stepped up in the passing game.
The Ravens face a different challenge in Buffalo, where they'll need every offensive weapon available. Their previous matchup with the Bills resulted in a 35-10 Baltimore victory in Week 4. This time, they'll play in Buffalo - where these teams last met in a 2020 divisional round game that saw the Bills prevail 17-3.
Nelson Agholor, Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace stand ready if Flowers can't suit up. The Ravens have already elevated Anthony Miller from the practice squad once and likely will again. But replacing the first Ravens receiver to crack 1,000 yards since Marquise Brown in 2021 presents a massive challenge against Buffalo's defense.