The Baltimore Ravens received devastating news ahead of their Wild Card showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers as Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers was ruled out due to a knee injury.
Flowers, who injured his right knee in the regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns, did not practice this week and was seen wearing a brace.
Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed the second-year star's absence, stating, "Zay Flowers is not going to be able to make it to the game this week. We’ll move forward with the guys we have, and we’re excited about the guys we have."
The #Ravens have ruled out Pro Bowl WR Zay Flowers for Saturday’s Wild Card game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers. pic.twitter.com/ECLijBUWzJ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 9, 2025
Flowers has been a cornerstone of Baltimore's offense, leading the team with 74 receptions for 1,059 yards and 463 yards after the catch, the most by a Raven in over a decade.
Without him, quarterback Lamar Jackson will rely on Rashod Bateman, who posted 756 yards and nine touchdowns this season, as well as tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, who combined for over 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Derrick Henry, coming off a dominant 1,921-yard rushing season, will be key in maintaining balance and challenging the Steelers' defense.
Ravens rule out WR Zay Flowers (knee) for Wild Card game vs. Steelers on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/gXY7GtEIfd
— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2025
Despite the setback, the Ravens remain optimistic about their chances. Jackson, fresh off a career-high 4,000 passing yards, is expected to distribute the ball across multiple weapons.
Harbaugh expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt, saying, "Lamar will distribute that thing the way he sees fit play to play."
While Flowers is focused on rehabbing with hopes of returning next week, the Ravens know they must first overcome a tough test at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday night.
Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
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