In Baltimore, the Ravens are on edge as they prepare for their wild-card showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with uncertainty surrounding Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers’ availability. The dynamic wideout sustained a right knee injury early in the second quarter of this past Saturday’s 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns and was unable to return.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh assured fans this isn’t a season-ending setback for Flowers, stating, “It’s a day-to-day situation. He’s working hard to get back as soon as possible, and we’ll just have to see how it unfolds.”
Flowers, a first-round pick from the 2023 draft, has showcased impressive durability throughout his young career, only missing one previous game due to a calf injury during the 2023 regular-season finale. His absence could be a considerable blow to the league’s top-ranked offense, as he has been Lamar Jackson’s go-to option, leading the team with 74 receptions for 1,059 yards.
With Flowers out for the rest of the Browns game, Rashod Bateman stepped up to the challenge, hauling in three receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. Bateman, the only other Ravens receiver with more than 15 catches this season, has notched 45 receptions, 756 yards, and nine touchdowns. Harbaugh had high praise for Bateman, remarking, “He’s a tremendous player and competitor—an excellent wide receiver who has been making big plays for us all year.”
The Ravens’ strategy won’t just hinge on one player, as Harbaugh emphasized the collective strength of the team: “It’s about everybody. We have plenty of weapons to move around and strategize with, and they can all step up and make plays.”
Adding to the team’s optimism, starting left guard Patrick Mekari and backup running back Justice Hill are expected to return after dealing with illnesses that limited their participation last week. Harbaugh noted, “They’re trending well and will be much stronger this week.”
This has been a historic season for Baltimore’s offense, marking the first time in the franchise’s 29-year history they have clinched the top spot in total offense. They became the first NFL team ever to amass over 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a single season, a testament to their dynamic play and versatility on the field. As they head into the playoffs, the Ravens are poised to make an impact—armed with a high-powered offense and a resolve to adapt and overcome adversity.
