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Report: Ravens Hopeful Zay Flowers Returns from Injury vs. Chiefs If They Beat Bills

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJanuary 19, 2025

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 04: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball after making a catch against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
G Fiume/Getty Images

The Baltimore Ravens are "hopeful" that wide receiver Zay Flowers, who has been out of the lineup after suffering a right knee sprain on Jan. 4 against the Cleveland Browns, would be able to return for the AFC Championship Game should the team take down the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in its Divisional Round matchup.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network provided the latest news.

NFL Network @nflnetwork

It's looking promising that Zay Flowers can play next week if the <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ravens</a> can advance. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rapsheet</a>) <a href="https://t.co/iA5o6DmbOF">pic.twitter.com/iA5o6DmbOF</a>

"My understanding though, had a really positive workout on Friday," Rapoport said.

"And I'm told, the team is hopeful, hopeful that he'll be able to get out there next week if the Ravens advance. Expect him to get at least one medical opinion additionally from what he has now, but things are looking up for Zay Flowers for next week."

In his second NFL season, Flowers caught 74 passes for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns, good enough for his first-ever Pro Bowl honor.

Flowers suffered the injury during a 12-yard catch-and-run in a 35-10 home win over Cleveland. Per Ravens editorial director Ryan Mink, "Flowers' knee was hit hard by Browns linebacker Mohamoud Diabate" as he went to the turf.

The ex-Boston College star didn't practice leading to the Ravens' 28-14 home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card round last Saturday and was ruled out. He didn't practice heading into the team's matchup versus the Buffalo Bills.

Flowers was listed as doubtful this time, and head coach John Harbaugh even told reporters Friday that "he'll have a chance" to play.

Baltimore Ravens @Ravens

"I think he'll have a chance." John Harbaugh on Zay Flowers' availability for Sunday: <a href="https://t.co/ubbordz9Tr">pic.twitter.com/ubbordz9Tr</a>

It doesn't appear that will be the case, with Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network offering this report.

Cameron Wolfe @CameronWolfe

Good morning from Orchard Park where Ravens are expected to be without top WR Zay Flowers today &amp; Bills taking notice of being Vegas home underdogs tonight.<br><br>For <a href="https://twitter.com/nflnetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nflnetwork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLGameDay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLGameDay</a>: <a href="https://t.co/tnGn7O42iP">pic.twitter.com/tnGn7O42iP</a>

But he'll certainly have a greater chance of playing if Baltimore is victorious and earns an AFC Championship Game rematch with Kansas City. In the meantime, the Ravens will turn to Rashod Bateman as the team's de-facto No. 1 wideout, and he'll be flanked by a wideout group that includes Tylan Wallace, Nelson Agholor, Steven Sims, Anthony Miller and Devontez Walker.