Baltimore Ravens star wide receiver Zay Flowers will not be participating in the team’s playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed on Thursday that Flowers has been officially ruled out for the crucial wild-card matchup set for Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium.
Flowers suffered a knee injury during the Ravens’ regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns last weekend. The injury occurred when he was hit in the knee while falling to the ground after making a catch. Initially, there was some optimism regarding his recovery, as Flowers was ruled day-to-day at the start of the week. However, he did not participate in any practices leading up to Harbaugh’s announcement, solidifying his absence from the playoff roster.
Impact of Flowers’ Absence
The Ravens will certainly feel the impact of losing Flowers, who has been a standout performer this season. As a second-year player, he emerged as the team’s leading receiver, posting an impressive 74 receptions for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns. His contributions were significant enough to earn him a spot in the Pro Bowl, making him the first wide receiver in Ravens history to achieve this honor.
In the previous matchup against the Steelers in Week 16, Flowers showcased his skills by catching five passes for a game-high 100 yards, demonstrating his ability to make big plays. His absence leaves a notable void in the Ravens’ passing game, but the team is determined to adapt and overcome.
Next Man Up
With Flowers sidelined, the Ravens will turn to other receivers to step up in the playoff game. Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, and rookie Devontez Walker will be tasked with supporting two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. Each of these players has the potential to make significant contributions, but they will need to rise to the occasion in this high-stakes environment.
Fortunately for Baltimore, they have a strong tight end duo in Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. Andrews, who recorded a career-high 11 touchdowns this season, has been a reliable target for Jackson and will likely play a crucial role in the offense. Likely has also shown promise, adding depth to the receiving corps.
Jackson’s MVP Credentials
Lamar Jackson enters the playoffs with impressive statistics, boasting 41 total touchdowns and just four interceptions, along with 915 rushing yards. His ability to lead the Ravens to an 11-6 record and secure the AFC North division title has solidified his status as a top contender for the MVP award. If he wins, he would join an elite group of NFL legends, including Jim Brown, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Joe Montana, as one of the few players to repeat as MVP.
As the Ravens prepare for their playoff clash against the Steelers, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Baltimore is looking to capitalize on their strong season and make a deep playoff run. The team has a rich history in the postseason, and the fans are hopeful that they can overcome the challenges posed by the absence of Flowers.
Rivalry Renewed
The Ravens’ upcoming game against the Steelers is not just another playoff matchup; it’s a fierce rivalry that dates back years. Pittsburgh has struggled recently, entering the game on a four-game losing streak after starting the season with a promising 10-3 record. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016, and they will be eager to turn their fortunes around against their division rivals.
Kickoff for the game is set for 8:00 PM Eastern and will be available for viewing on Amazon Prime Video. The atmosphere at M&T Bank Stadium is expected to be electric, with fans rallying behind their team as they seek to advance in the playoffs.
NFL Wild Card Weekend Schedule
As the playoffs kick off, here’s a look at the schedule for Wild Card Weekend:
Saturday, January 11:
- No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 4 Houston Texans, 4:30 PM ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 3 Baltimore Ravens, 8:00 PM ET (Prime Video)
Sunday, January 12:
- No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Bills, 1:00 PM ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 PM ET (Fox, Fox Deportes)
- No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:00 PM ET (NBC, Peacock, Universo)
Monday, January 13:
- No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams, 8:00 PM ET (ESPN, ABC)
As the Ravens gear up for this pivotal matchup, fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts in the face of adversity. Will they rise to the occasion and continue their playoff journey, or will the absence of Zay Flowers prove too great to overcome? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of playoff football is upon us, and the stakes have never been higher.
