Zay Flowers may have a higher touchdown ceiling than many expect heading into the season. With the Ravens projected to be among the NFL’s top teams and Lamar Jackson potentially returning to his MVP-caliber form, Flowers could be in position to put together the best season of his career.
However, the wideout’s recent injury issues remain a concern for Baltimore as the team hopes to have its wide receiver fully healthy.
What Is Zay Flowers’ Injury Status Ahead of Ravens’ Week 1 Opener?
Flowers was absent from the Ravens’ practice on Monday because of an undisclosed lower-body injury. He previously suffered a bruise to his left quadriceps during an Aug. 8 practice, but he was able to return to the field just a few days later.
The Ravens’ wide receiver also missed portions of practice last week, but the team has not clarified whether those absences were connected to his earlier quad injury. Despite the repeated time away from the field, none of Flowers’ recent injury issues have appeared to be seen as a significant concern.
With Baltimore now less than two weeks away from its Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts, Flowers’ availability briefly became a question.
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However, NFL insider Matt Zenitz reported that Flowers is expected to return to full practice participation next week, with the expectation that he will be ready to play against Indianapolis.
The Ravens have plenty of reason to be optimistic about Flowers heading into the 2026 season. Baltimore recently proved how important he is to the organization by signing him to a four-year, $140 million contract extension. That massive commitment comes after Flowers established himself as Jackson’s most reliable receiving target last season.
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Flowers finished 2025 with 1,211 receiving yards, accounting for 36.9% of Baltimore’s total receiving production. That was the second-highest share among NFL players, behind only Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who accounted for 44.1% of his team’s receiving yards.
Flowers finished last season with an 80.6 PFN WR Impact Score, ranking No. 9 in the nation. He has continued to build an incredible profile since entering the league.
In 2024, Flowers became the first Ravens wide receiver in the franchise’s 29-year history to earn Pro Bowl honors. He returned to the Pro Bowl again last season after setting career bests.
Flowers has also silenced many of the concerns surrounding his smaller frame by producing 3,128 receiving yards during his first three NFL seasons. That total ranks third among wide receivers selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, behind Puka Nacua with 4,191 yards and Smith-Njigba with 3,551.
So, expectations are extremely high for Flowers entering 2026. Ravens fans will hope these recent injury setbacks are only minor bumps and that they do not interfere with his ability to deliver the breakout campaign many believe he is capable of having.
