The Baltimore Ravens kicked off the 2026 season with a dominant 41-23 win vs. the Colts, featuring QB Lamar Jackson (324 passing yards), RB Derrick Henry (144 rushing yards), and WR Zay Flowers (150 receiving yards) all turning in standout performances.
However, Baltimore’s receiving corps was dealt a couple of injuries ahead of Week 2’s 1:00 p.m. ET battle with the Saints on Sunday, September 20. Alongside WR Ja’Kobi Lane being placed on injured reserve following wrist surgery, Zay Flowers suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1’s win.
Following two days of practice, we have a better idea of Flowers’ status for Week 2. Here’s the latest Zay Flowers injury update, followed by who could step up in a potential absence for fantasy football and NFL picks for PrizePicks.
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Zay Flowers Injury Update: Is Flowers Playing in Week 2?
At Wednesday’s practice, the Ravens’ official injury report listed Flowers as out with a hamstring injury. On Thursday afternoon, Flowers was not spotted at practice, meaning back-to-back absences.
That leaves Friday as the final practice before Sunday’s game vs. the Saints. So far, his chance to play is not looking good.
Following Sunday’s game, head coach Jesse Minter labeled Flowers as “day-to-day.” After he left Sunday’s game early from the injury, Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network reported the injury was “not considered serious,” and the Ravens’ WR1 likely would’ve continued to play if it were a playoff game.
If Flowers is a limited participant at Friday’s practice, that would be a major step in the right direction. Remember, he comes off a monster showing with 6 targets for 5 receptions, 150 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD, and 26.0 fantasy points (WR7).
Furthermore, Pro Football Focus credited Flowers with a lofty 13.8 average depth of target (aDOT) and an absurd 13.64 yards per route run (first among WRs with at least 2 catches).
If Flowers is out, how can the Ravens replicate big plays on offense?
Ravens Fantasy Football Outlook If Flowers Is Out in Week 2
Ahead of Sunday’s contest, PrizePicks is projecting TE Mark Andrews for 46.5 receiving yards vs. the Saints. In Week 1, Andrews tallied 6 targets, 4 catches, and 49 receiving yards.
As mentioned, rookie WR Ja’Kobi Lane suffered a wrist injury in the win, finishing with just a 39.7% snap rate. WRs LaJohntay Wester (14) and Chris Moore (8) also posted passing snaps in Week 1.
Head coach Jesse Minter circled WR Tez Walker and rookie WR Elijah Sarratt as two more targets who could contribute.
If Flowers is out, Wester could be the direct replacement in the starting lineup. PFF credited Flowers with a 54.5% slot snap share, and Wester’s 57.1% mark was a step ahead.
Frankly, the main question could be who replaces Lane — who took 83.3% of his snaps on the perimeter. This is where Walker and Sarratt could step into the picture.
WR Rashod Bateman would be the only regular starter available if Flowers joins Lane as an inactive on Sunday. Bateman tallied a team-high 29 pass snaps in Week 1, but he didn’t have a catch on 1 target.
Last week, the Saints gave up 204 passing yards and 5.3 yards per passing attempt compared to 165 rushing yards and 5.0 yards per carry. According to RBSDM, New Orleans yielded a 41.5% dropback success rate (12th) and a 50.0% rush success rate (30th).
That draws attention to a heavy run game plan for Baltimore — especially if Flowers is out. The Ravens logged 37 rushing attempts compared to 25 passing attempts in Week 1, contributing to RB Derrick Henry’s 144 rushing yards and 3 rushing TDs.
Henry is projected for 89.5 rush yards, while 0.5 anytime TDs is listed is a Goblin vs. the Saints, per PrizePicks.
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Following back-to-back practice absences, Zay Flowers’ status for Week 2 isn’t looking great. If Baltimore is without its top target, the Ravens may look to run it often against a vulnerable Saints rush defense on Sunday.
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Keep it locked in here with the Playbook for continued NFL picks, predictions, and news all season long.
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