Ravens hit with major Zay Flowers blow just before Saints showdown originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Baltimore Ravens will be without their most productive wide receiver when they face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Baltimore officially ruled out Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers after initially listing him as doubtful because of a left hamstring injury. Flowers aggravated the injury during the Ravens’ season-opening 41-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
Flowers missed Baltimore’s first two practices of the week before returning in a limited capacity Friday. Any hope that he could recover in time ended Saturday when the Ravens downgraded him to out.
His absence removes one of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s most dangerous weapons.
Over his past 18 games, Flowers has recorded 91 receptions for 1,361 yards. Baltimore’s other wide receivers have combined for only 55 catches and 814 yards during that same stretch, illustrating how heavily the passing game has relied on Flowers.
Baltimore will also be without Ja’Kobi Lane, who is on injured reserve with a wrist injury. That leaves the Ravens without two of their top three receivers against New Orleans.
Flowers injury forces Ravens to turn to unproven weapons
Rashod Bateman will enter Sunday as the receiver with the most experience working alongside Jackson. LaJohntay Wester, Devontez Walker, Elijah Sarratt and Chris Moore could all see expanded opportunities.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter challenged the remaining receivers to take advantage.
“I think the first game was a great example that the ball can really go anywhere in our offense,” Minter said. “Just being very precise, being very detailed, being in the right spot, the ball can find you.”
Baltimore has additional injury concerns beyond Flowers.
The Ravens placed cornerback T.J. Tampa on injured reserve because of a knee injury and promoted linebacker Carl Jones to the 53-man roster. Offensive tackle Gerad Lichtenhan was also elevated from the practice squad.
That move could become significant with starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley questionable because of a toe injury.
If Stanley is unable to play, Carson Vinson could make his first career start, potentially leaving Jackson without his No. 1 receiver while also dealing with uncertainty along his offensive line.
For Baltimore, Sunday could become an early test of just how deep its offense really is.
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