Fans may have their own opinions about the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys playing in Brazil in Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season, but the stage is set for an electric showdown in an iconic venue. There are a lot of question marks heading into this game, chief among them Zay Flowers‘ status. That has finally been answered.
Flowers was listed as questionable by the Ravens entering Sunday. After Baltimore held a pregame workout for its wideout, a decision has been made, and Flowers will play against Dallas at Maracana Stadium, which has hosted two FIFA World Cup finals and will finally host an NFL game in 2026.
“Ravens WR Zay Flowers is active today, though he likely will be limited in his usage,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported. Flowers’ active status is a bit surprising considering Adam Schefter believed Baltimore didn’t expect Flowers to be fit to play.
The field at Maracana Stadium, where the Ravens and Cowboys will be playing, is a topic on its own and might even affect Flowers in his return to action in Week 3. Not only is Flower coming back from injury in Brazil, but he will also have to prove himself on a pitch that has raised its fair share of eyebrows.
Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium.
What happened to Flowers?
Zay Flowers’ hot start to the 2026 NFL season was stopped in its tracks by a hamstring injury in the first half of Week 1’s win over the Indianapolis Colts. He missed the entire second half and was sidelined in Week 2 when Baltimore lost in deflating fashion against the New Orleans Saints in Jesse Minter’s home debut at M&T Bank Stadium.
Who are singing the national anthems before Cowboys vs Ravens in Brazil for 2026 NFL Week 3?
Prior to his injury, Flowers registered five receptions for 150 yards and one touchdown. That was only in one half of action. As he suits up against the Cowboys in Brazil, he could be in for another strong outing against a secondary that is still finding its footing.
Flowers changes Ravens’ gameplan
In Week 3, it won’t only be fantasy football owners who would’ve suffered from Flowers’ absence; the Ravens might have struggled even more without him. Flowers is the clear-cut top target for Lamar Jackson. As the Ravens and Cowboys enter uncharted territory in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, it’s clear Baltimore will hope to stick to its old reliable options. Having Flowers back, even if limited, is definitely an encouraging sign.
Although Flowers will be the main receiving option, fans may witness another strong outing from Rashod Bateman, who over his years in Charm City has shown Jackson he can be trusted, especially when all else fails.
Key takeaways
- Zay Flowers is active for Week 3 against Dallas, though likely on limited usage.
- He suffered a hamstring injury during the first half of Week 1 against Indianapolis.
- Rashod Bateman may see another strong outing if Baltimore limits its top target.
