The Baltimore Ravens clinched the AFC North and a home playoff game, but their victory came at a steep price. Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers left the game early and did not return, bringing into question his availability for the postseason run. Shortly after the team’s convincing 35-10 victory, reports surfaced indicating the former first-round pick is considered week-to-week and might not suit up for next week’s Wild Card game.
Initial tests showed #Ravens Pro Bowl WR suffered a knee sprain and is considered week to week. He will undergo more testing, per source. pic.twitter.com/aeGeqRm4Fm
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 5, 2025
While this isn’t the update anyone wanted to hear, there is a silver lining. It’s still early, so there is a chance Flowers’ availability changes as he undergoes further testing. However, at the moment, it appears as though he won’t suit up for the first round of the playoffs, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the wide receiver could return for the divisional round if Baltimore wins their Wild Card matchup.
Zay Flowers Likely Out For Wild Card Round With Knee Injury
Zay Flowers entered the regular season finale as arguably the most accomplished wide receiver in team history. Appearing in all 16 games, the wideout recorded 73 receptions for 1,047 yards and four touchdowns while becoming the first Ravens receiver to make a Pro Bowl.
Unfortunately, Zay Flowers only recorded one reception for 12 yards before the knee injury took him out of the game. If he misses time, the Ravens will entrust Rashod Bateman to be the top receiver in the passing attack. In Flowers’ absence, the wide receiver finished Week 18’s contest against the Browns with five receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown.
As of this posting, the Ravens do not know who they will face in the Wild Card round. If the Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Cincinnati Bengals, they will clinch the fifth seed and the third-seed Ravens will face the Los Angeles Chargers. However, if Pittsburgh loses and the Chargers win, then the two division rivals will face off in the AFC Wild Card round.
Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan – USA Today Sports
