The Baltimore Ravens’ 28-14 playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday was so convincing that it’s easy to overlook the fact they did it without one of their key offensive players.
Zay Flowers, the Ravens’ first-ever Pro Bowl wide receiver, missed the Wild Card Round due to a knee injury sustained the previous week. His absence was a significant blow to the team, though it would have been much more impactful had Baltimore not dominated on the ground, rushing for nearly 300 yards.
Looking ahead to their upcoming Divisional Round matchup against the Buffalo Bills, the Ravens will need all hands on deck. When asked about Flowers’ status for Sunday, head coach John Harbaugh couldn’t provide a clear answer.
“Yes, that’s in ‘we’ll see mode,'” Harbaugh said to reporters. “[Flowers] is working hard to get back, and we’ll see by the end of the week if he’s practicing. And he can play without practicing – for sure – if he feels healthy enough and if it’s safe for him.”
Flowers, selected 22nd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, made a big leap in his second season. The Boston College product finished the regular season with 74 catches for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns, becoming the Ravens’ first 1,000-yard receiver since 2021.
Without Flowers against the Steelers, the Ravens relied heavily on their tight ends when they did pass. Isaiah Likely led the team in receiving with three catches for 53 yards, while Mark Andrews added two receptions for 27 yards. Rashod Bateman stepped up as the primary wideout, scoring the first touchdown of the game, while Nelson Agholor and Tylan Wallace each had receptions of over 20 yards.
The Bills will present a much greater challenge than the Steelers, so the Ravens are hoping Flowers will be available. If not, however, they remain confident in the other weapons at their disposal.
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