Zay Flowers Injured in Knee, Exits Baltimore Ravens' Win Against Opponents

Zay Flowers Injured in Knee, Exits Baltimore Ravens

As the Baltimore Ravens head into the playoffs, a key injury concern has emerged for the NFL's top-ranked offense. Wide receiver Zay Flowers was forced out of Saturday's 35-10 win over the Cleveland Browns after suffering a right knee injury early in the second quarter. The injury occurred just two days after Flowers was named to his first Pro Bowl.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh stated that the team would have more information on Flowers' playoff availability after he undergoes an MRI on Sunday. Despite the injury, Harbaugh expressed optimism, saying, "It's something that he has a chance to be OK with."

Flowers' injury happened about three minutes into the second quarter. After making a 12-yard catch, Flowers' right leg collided with Ravens guard Andrew Vorhees as Browns linebacker Mohamoud Diabate hit his knee. Flowers limped off the field and was later taken to the locker room for further evaluation. Known for his durability, Flowers has missed only one game in his two-season career due to injury, sitting out the 2023 regular-season finale with a calf issue.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson expressed his concern, saying he was "hurt" to see Flowers injured, with offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley adding, "It was super tough seeing a guy like that go down." Despite the injury, the team remains hopeful for Flowers' return.

A first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Flowers has quickly emerged as Jackson's top wide receiver, leading the Ravens with 74 catches for 1,059 yards. His Pro Bowl selection marks a historic achievement, making him the first wide receiver in Ravens history to earn that honor.

In Flowers' absence, fellow wideout Rashod Bateman stepped up, registering five receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown. Jackson, acknowledging Bateman's performance, said, "I'm not surprised. We've all known what he's capable of, but we've still got work to do."