OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens are facing a potential setback as Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers is currently listed as day-to-day due to a left quad contusion. This injury occurred during practice on Saturday when Flowers collided with teammate Jaylinn Hawkins, raising concerns just days after he secured a lucrative four-year, $140 million contract extension.
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter provided an update following the incident, expressing optimism about Flowers' long-term health. "Thankfully, I think he'll be OK in the long term," Minter stated. The injury unfolded during a 7-on-7 drill when Flowers was attempting to catch a pass and collided with Hawkins, resulting in him falling to the ground in visible distress.
Medical staff attended to Flowers for approximately ten minutes, during which he was seen flexing his leg. Notable teammates, including quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, along with general manager Eric DeCosta, approached to offer support as Flowers received treatment. Eventually, he was able to leave the field with a noticeable limp.
Impact on the Ravens' Offense
Flowers has quickly established himself as a key player in the Ravens' offensive strategy, becoming quarterback Lamar Jackson's primary target. Last season, he amassed 1,211 receiving yards, which represented 36.9% of the team's total receiving yards, marking the second-highest percentage in the league for the 2025 season, trailing only Seattle's Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Following his recent contract extension, which positions him as the NFL's fourth-highest-paid wide receiver at an average of $35 million per season, the timing of this injury is particularly concerning for the Ravens. However, Minter remains hopeful that Flowers will recover in time for the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts on September 13. "It's a great opportunity for other guys to step into those roles and different guys to run some of the routes that Zay is great at," he noted, while also expressing confidence that the absence would not be prolonged.
Looking Ahead
As the Ravens prepare for the upcoming season, the team will be closely monitoring Flowers' recovery. His ability to return to the field quickly will be crucial for maintaining the momentum of Baltimore's passing game. The coaching staff is already considering how to adjust their strategies in the event that Flowers needs to sit out for any length of time, emphasizing the depth and versatility of their roster.
