Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Saturday that Baltimore downgraded Zay Flowers to out for Sunday’s home game after he aggravated a hamstring in the Week 1 opener.
- Head coach Jesse Minter said the club will prioritize Flowers’ recovery and expressed confidence in the prepared receiver room to step up in his absence.
- Rashod Bateman is expected to take the top receiving role while Chris Moore, LaJohntay Wester, Devontez Walker and rookie Elijah Sarratt will absorb additional targets; rookie Ja'Kobi Lane was placed on injured reserve after wrist surgery.
- The Ravens also officially ruled out Nnamdi Madubuike and Teddye Buchanan and listed Ronnie Stanley, John Simpson and Trey Hendrickson as questionable, a set of designations that could affect pass protection and pass-rush plans.
- Flowers’ likely absence narrows Lamar Jackson’s big-play passing ceiling and shifts short-term game planning and fantasy value toward Mark Andrews, Derrick Henry and the remaining receiver group.