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.

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.

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.

According to the league’s daily transaction wire, Brandin Cooks worked out for the Ravens on Thursday. However, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network said there’s not a deal done yet, but Cooks could be a priority for the Ravens in a near future.

Cooks is a reliable veteran. Last season, he played for both the Saints and the Bills, and he was important. The Bills lacked a vertical threat, and Cooks filled that void all the way to the postseason. He is a very good veteran to have.

Brandin Cooks 2025 stats

Cooks played 15 games in 2025, though he just started five of those. He had 19 catches for 165 yards in New Orleans. With the Bills, who have a new stadium to replace Old Highmark, Cooks had five catches for 114 yards.

However, his 2025 season ended in a sour note. During the postseason, he failed to catch a downfield throw in overtime in the divisional round and that led to an interception and eventual loss to the Denver Broncos.

Why the Ravens need Cooks?

Zay Flowers has a hamstring injury that is not considered to be serious, but also, those are lingering issues that are tough to overcome and easy to re-injure. Also, rookie sensation Ja’Kobi Lane is injured for a long time.

Hence, the Ravens have Rashod Bateman and Elijah Sarratt, who hasn’t been impressive throughout training camp. Cooks could serve as a veteran, reliable deep threat for the team.

“Just in: Baltimore’s two-time Pro-Bowl WR Zay Flowers reached agreement today with the Ravens on a four-year, $140 million extension that includes $108 million guaranteed, per his agency @WinSportsGroup,” the insider revealed on X.

Flowers did not participate in the latest practice, but he closely followed everything that was happening with his teammates. Now that he has agreed to his contract extension, he is expected to be back at Jesse Minter’s disposal once again.

The intriguing connection between Jackson and Flowers

Zay Flowers has solidified his role as Lamar Jackson’s ultimate go-to target in the Baltimore Ravens‘ offense, using his elite acceleration, quick change of direction, and deep-threat ability to punish opposing secondary defenses.

During the 2025 NFL season, Flowers earned his second career Pro Bowl selection after establishing personal bests with 86 receptions for 1,211 receiving yards (averaging 14.1 yards per catch) and 5 receiving touchdowns across 17 games (plus 62 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown). His versatility both as a vertical route-runner and a dynamic playmaker after the catch gives Jackson a dependable target at every level of the field.

Lamar’s weapons through the air

While Zay Flowers has established himself as one of Lamar Jackson’s top targets in recent seasons, the No. 8 enters the upcoming NFL season with an intriguing wide receiver room at his disposal.

Flowers’ appeared on the 4th and South podcast and said that John Harbaugh‘s practices were “full pads all the time… Week 17, we’re doing one-on-ones, everybody out there, we’re tired, we’re still going.” Flowers also stated, “That’s why we had a lot of injuries.”

Flowers spoke to Minter and stated that the new Ravens coach assured him that now the practices will be a little easier on your body for players to be fresher in games. Minter was on the Ravens roster as an assistant back in 2017.

Flowers has been quite healthy despite complaints

Flowers said Harbaugh’s regime caused plenty of injuries, however, he has missed just one game in his whole career. The two-time Pro Bowl has been as consistent as a player can be. Having said that, the Ravens as a whole have been quite injured for the last couple of years.

The fact is football is a contact sport, so injuries are bound to happen. However, going full pads, full force every single time will wear on the players, but apparently that was a risk Harbaugh was willing to take.

The Ravens need to bounce back

Last season, the Ravens ended 8-9, missed the playoffs, and had to restructure the whole staff. Harbaugh is gone, offensive coordinator Todd Monken is gone, and defensive coordinator Zach Orr is also gone.

This is a team with a generational quarterback, so expectations are always to win the Super Bowl. Not going to the playoffs is not an acceptable outcome, regardless of injuries. Hence, it’s bounce back season for them.

“Congrats to him. He did that one,” he said via the team’s website. “I ain’t really paying attention to [my contract], if I’m being honest. I go train every day. I let my agents handle that. I don’t want to go nowhere else.”

Flowers, along with Rashod Bateman and Devontez Walker, will be the main passing weapons for Lamar Jackson. Can the Ravens keep him for the near future?

What is Flowers’ contract situation?

Zay Flowers is currently entering the fourth year of his rookie contract, which will pay him a base salary of approximately $2.66 million for the 2026 season. As a former first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, his situation is stabilized by the Ravens’ reported decision to exercise his fifth-year option, locking him in for the 2027 season at a fully guaranteed salary of $27.3 million.

While other receivers from his draft class have begun signing record-breaking extensions this offseason, Flowers has expressed his desire to remain in Baltimore long-term, though the team appears content to utilize the fifth-year option before committing to a massive multi-year extension.

Flowers’ 2025 season

In 2025, Zay Flowers solidified his role as the Ravens‘ primary deep threat, finishing the regular season with a career-high 1,211 receiving yards and 86 receptions across 17 games. He averaged 14.1 yards per catch and hauled in 5 touchdowns, including a dominant 138-yard, 2-TD performance in the season finale. Additionally, Flowers contributed 62 rushing yards and one score on the ground, proving to be one of the most versatile playmakers in the league.

The report of Flowers’ comments was shared by Jonas Shaffer on X: “Ravens WR Zay Flowers says the offense should be doing better, even with Lamar Jackson sidelined. ‘We’ve still got pieces. We’ve just got to put ‘em together.’“ It’s worth noting that the Ravens currently rank 32nd in the NFL defensively.

Over the last two games, the Ravens‘ defensive unit has allowed a combined 61 points, failing to secure a win since Week 2, when it held the Cleveland Browns to just 17 points.

In addition to challenging the defense, Flowers used the opportunity to apologize for his previous actions, specifically, rushing out of the locker room without speaking to reporters about his fumbles against the Rams. This had drawn heavy criticism, and he promised not to repeat the mistake.

How has Zay Flowers performed this Season?

Flowers leads the Ravens in receiving yards with 423. He is a crucial asset, though he has scored only one touchdown on his 34 receptions so far. His connection with Jackson was clear when the quarterback was healthy, and the situation has become more complicated for the offense in terms of scoring since Jackson‘s injury.

Now in his third season with the Ravens, Flowers has established himself as a valuable piece of the team. His assessment that the defense should be performing better holds merit, as the defense is less reliant on Jackson’s presence than the offensive line is.

Flowers, who had been listed as questionable by the team through an official statement on their website, has now been confirmed as active and will take the field alongside his teammates.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero posted on his official X account (formerly Twitter) breaking news that the wide receiver will be available to the coaching staff for the upcoming game against the Rams.

“Ravens WR Zay Flowers is active,” the insider reported via @TomPelissero. With Lamar Jackson’s absence confirmed, Harbaugh secures a key piece in his offense, which is desperate for a win in Week 6.

The impact of Flowers on the Ravens’ offense

Despite the Baltimore Ravens‘ early struggles, wide receiver Zay Flowers has emerged as the unequivocal top target, injecting vital playmaking ability into the offense.

Through five games, the Pro Bowler leads the team with 28 receptions on 36 targets, totaling 377 receiving yards and averaging a robust 13.5 yards per catch. His ability to rack up yardage after the catch and command volume, even in a run-heavy scheme, confirms his status as the unit’s key explosive weapon.

What injury is the WR dealing with?

Zay Flowers, who is tied for eighth in the NFL with 377 receiving yards, is officially listed as active for Sunday’s game against the Rams despite to a shoulder injury that limited him in practice all week.

The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the best NFL franchises for years. However, two things are missing. First, the Super Bowl. Since having Lamar Jackson, their goal to reach the big game hasn’t been fulfilled. Second, since Lamar arrived, they haven’t been respected as a threat on passing offense. According to one of their players, one key weapon should be regarded as a top-tier wideout, but the team’s style hasn’t allowed him to do so.

Ravens’ wide receiver Rashod Bateman appeared on The Lounge podcast and talked about his teammate Zay Flowers. “What he’s doing in the league is beyond special to me because of how we play football, of how the Ravens play football,” Bateman said. “It’s not like we’re just targeting Zay, put him on this. We do what’s best for the team and how we play. Zay could have 1,300 yards, easily, if that was the goal.”

Bateman also referred to their star running back. “Derrick Henry can rush for 2,000 easy if that was the goal. It’s just never the goal. I wish people understood that.” For the Ravens, the goal aren’t individual numbers, but collective accolades, more namely, the Super Bowl.

Zay Flowers has been blossoming

Pardoning the pun, ‘blossoming’ is exactly the verb that describes wideout Zay Flowers. During his first year, he showed his talent, but immature plays were also a part of his game. In fact, he had an awful mistake that cost Baltimore the season. Last year, Flowers was a whole different player.

Even if he didn’t get to 1,300 yards, like Bateman said, Flowers was a standout. He got 1,059 yards, 4 touchdowns and made the Pro Bowl. However, Flowers had a decline on one key category: catching percentage. He caught 63.8% of his targets, while in 2024, he caught 71.3% of them. If Flowers keeps improving this stat, he might go for the 1,300 treshold even if that’s not the team’s goal.

There are more heads to feed now in Baltimore

While Bateman and Flowers are a powerful duo, there is a new face on the roster. One with a big name, and a great reputation around the NFL. That guy is DeAndre Hopkins, who will add safe hands, big-time experience and natural talent to this receiving corp.

Lamar Jackson will have plenty of people to pass the ball. You have to consider both tight ends, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, who are two really productive players for this offense. Will that be enough to get the Vince Lombardi Trophy? Who knows, but the Ravens’ roster is loaded, so the expectations are high.

The Baltimore Ravens have been a Super Bowl contender for a while now. However, not even Lamar Jackson has been able to guide the team all the way to a championship. One of those criticisms has been the wide receivers, and the narrative is they haven’t been good enough at times. One of those weapons gave an interview to The Insiders, and he reaveled the WR crew is ready to change that this NFL season.

Just a couple of weeks after signing a three-year, $36.75 million extension, Bateman is ready to prove his worth. After all, Bateman has all the reasons to be excited and filled with confidence. In 2024, Bateman had a career year as he racked up 45 catches, 756 yards and a staggering 9 touchdowns.

Speaking to NFL Network Insiders, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Bateman said, “There’s a lot of love and respect that comes with a team that drafted you and I wanted to flip that narrative of receivers here and I definitely think we’re on the right track of doing that. Not really looking for nobody else’s validation but it feels good, somewhat, to be in the midst now headed down that right track.”

The Ravens now have a dangerous WR corp

While Bateman’s extension keeps a big weapon on their roster, the Ravens have made moves to strengthen their skill players. Baltimore signed DeAndre Hopkins. While D-Hop is not precisely in his prime anymore, he is still a good weapon to have, especially if lined up against lesser defensive backs.

This because the Ravens have an established first option for Lamar Jackson, and that is Zay Flowers. Hailing from Boston College, Flowers will enter his third season in the NFL as the Ravens’ best weapon.

He had 1,059 yards and 4 touchdowns last season. He also was selected to the Pro-Bowl. If you have Flowers, Bateman and Hopkins, the narrative may change in a hurry.

Baltimore should be an offensive juggernaut

We’ve talked about the WR corp, but let’s not forget the Ravens are loaded on other positions. They might have the best tight end duo in the league with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. Andrews had an up-and-down season but that means he’s coming back with a vengeance.

In the rushing department, they have Derrick Henry, who is arguably the best running back in the league. Not to mention Lamar’s ability to run the football, he is the personification of a dual-threat QB. With all this in mind, Baltimore should once again be looking for that Super Bowl win.

In the 2024 regular-season finale, Zay Flowers suffered a serious knee injury that sidelined him for the Ravens’ postseason run. Fortunately for the young wide receiver, and according to his head coach, surgery will not be necessary, and all signs point to him being available soon for the coaching staff.

“It did not go to surgery,” Harbaugh said via the team’s website. “Actually, he was doing a little dance in the weight room this last week and said he’s feeling great, his knee’s back. He did it with rehab.”

During last season, Flowers posted a personal best with 1,059 receiving yards, hauling in 74 receptions at an impressive average of 14.3 yards per catch. His standout performance earned him the distinction of being the first wide receiver in Ravens history to be selected to the Pro Bowl.

The Emery Jones Jr. situation

One of the Baltimore Ravens’ key bets in the latest NFL Draft came in the third round, where they selected offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. with the 91st overall pick.

While those close to the player believe the former LSU Tiger has the potential to bring a significant boost to the team, head coach John Harbaugh must first assess his status regarding a lingering labrum injury that’s currently keeping him out of minicamp activities.

“It’s going to be a little while,” Harbaugh said to the press. “He had a labrum/shoulder issue I don’t think you guys were aware of. I don’t think it’s going to clear up now. Probably be looking at training camp, maybe earlier, we’ll just have to see how it goes. He’s not going to practice in the immediate future.”

If he’s fully healthy by Week 1 of the upcoming season, many are optimistic about a promising future for Jones Jr., with some even projecting him to compete with Andrew Vorhees for the starting left guard spot.

According to Jordan Schultz, Flowers reportedly suffered a knee sprain, leaving him in a week-to-week status, at least based on the initial tests. Notably, Lamar Jackson, who set a historic record during the game, admitted he felt bad when he saw his teammate go down.

Head coach John Harbaugh also addressed the situation, saying that Flowers is expected to undergo an MRI the following day to get a better understanding of the injury. Harbaugh offered a bit of “good news,” noting there is a chance Flowers could still play in the Wild Card game.

If Zay Flowers is unable to play in the Wild Card game, things could get more complicated for the Ravens, as he is the team’s top receiver in receptions, with over 70 catches—more than 20 ahead of the second-best receiver, Mark Andrews, who has 50+ receptions.

Flowers’ Absence Could Be Painful

The Ravens are set to play in the Wild Card round, marking the beginning of what could be a long journey to the Super Bowl, something John Harbaugh revealed as one of the franchise’s key objectives this season. But without Flowers in the receiving corps, things could become difficult. Not only does he lead the team in receptions, but he also tops the Ravens in receiving yards with 1,059 yards recorded so far.

However, the Ravens’ receiving options aren’t entirely limited if Flowers can’t play. Other top receivers on the team, including Mark Andrews with 10 touchdowns this season and Rashod Bateman with 8 touchdowns, are healthy and ready to go. Both players scored during the victory against the Browns.