Zay Flowers won’t play today for the Baltimore Ravens against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season. The star wide receiver has been ruled out because of a hamstring injury suffered during Baltimore’s explosive season-opening victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
Flowers was spectacular before suffering the injury against Indianapolis, finishing the first half with five catches for 150 yards and a touchdown. His absence therefore represents a significant blow to a Ravens offense that looked extremely dangerous with Lamar Jackson leading the way in Week 1.
The good news for Baltimore is that Flowers’ injury is not currently viewed as a major long-term problem. He returned to practice on Friday in a limited capacity and was considered close to playing against New Orleans, but the Ravens ultimately decided not to rush their top receiver and ruled him out.
When will Zay Flowers return from injury with Ravens?
Zay Flowers could have a chance to return next week when the Ravens travel to Brazil to face the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Jesse Minter has described the receiver as day-to-day, and his return to practice before the Saints game is an encouraging sign that the hamstring issue could be relatively short-lived.
Baltimore will nevertheless be cautious with Flowers after he previously missed two weeks during training camp because of a hamstring issue. The Ravens clearly do not want to risk turning a manageable injury into a lingering problem this early in the season.
With Flowers unavailable against New Orleans, Rashod Bateman will move into the top receiver role for Lamar Jackson. Bateman did not record a reception in Week 1, but he now has an opportunity to become a major factor while Flowers watches from the sideline.
Bateman could be especially important because Baltimore’s offense was so explosive with Flowers against Indianapolis. If he can provide a reliable target for Jackson against the Saints, the Ravens could maintain much of their offensive threat until Flowers is ready to return, potentially as soon as Week 3 against the Cowboys.
