OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With Zay Flowers sidelined last weekend due to a knee injury, there were plenty of opportunities for other, less frequently used receivers on the Baltimore Ravens roster. The team took full advantage of this situation by involving almost all available players in the passing game.
Tight end Mark Andrews emphasized the team’s depth, stating, “We have a bunch of depth and guys that can step up and make plays, and that are playing really good football. We’re counting on those guys to continue to make plays, step up and fit in different roles to help this offense go.”
Flowers missed practice on Wednesday after being unable to play in the previous week’s playoff opener against Pittsburgh. Coach John Harbaugh mentioned earlier in the week that there is a possibility for Flowers to appear in the upcoming game against Buffalo, regardless of his practice participation. However, his ability to perform remains uncertain.
In Flowers’ absence, Rashod Bateman emerged as the primary receiving threat for the Ravens, catching a touchdown pass during the team’s opening drive. Nonetheless, Baltimore showcased their willingness to utilize a mix of their less prominent wide receivers.
Tylan Wallace stood out with 39 offensive snaps, the highest of any wide receiver on the team, and he made a significant contribution with a 21-yard catch on second down that kept a touchdown drive alive. Nelson Agholor, returning after a three-game absence, played 20 snaps and recorded a 25-yard reception.
Anthony Miller, who was elevated from the practice squad, made an impact with three catches on just nine snaps, while punt returner Steven Sims contributed by participating in 13 offensive snaps, including a 15-yard rush. Even rookie Devontez Walker saw limited playing time, managing to get on the field after having caught only one pass all season.
Despite the varied lineups, the Ravens’ offensive execution seemed unaffected as they navigated through the game. Quarterback Lamar Jackson commented, “It was pretty smooth. Everyone being on the same page, just had everything flow smooth for us on the offensive side of the ball.”
Flowers suffered his injury during the final regular-season match against Cleveland. Over the course of the season, he recorded 74 receptions for 1,059 yards and scored four touchdowns, ultimately earning a spot in the Pro Bowl. He was the sole player absent from practice for the Ravens on Wednesday.
Additionally, Baltimore boasts talented pass catchers at tight end, including Andrews and Isaiah Likely, along with running backs like Justice Hill and Derrick Henry, who are adept at receiving passes from the backfield. However, the void left by Flowers’ speed and agility is challenging to fill.
Jackson acknowledged the difficulty of replacing Flowers, saying, “It’s a huge challenge. That’s a guy been with us all season, been making things happen for us. Him being him, what he brings to the game, it’s like, we going to miss that, but we got guys who are locked in and ready to step up to the plate for us.”
In other news, the Ravens have claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers, although this acquisition will only take effect after the Super Bowl. Johnson is set to enter free agency at the season’s end, meaning this move could influence future compensation for the team. Baltimore had previously traded for Johnson from the Carolina Panthers in late October, but his time there took a downturn after he received a suspension for refusing to enter a game against Philadelphia. Having been waived last month, he briefly joined the Houston squad but was released by the Texans on Tuesday.
