Traveling to South America for their high-stakes Week 3 international showdown against the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro brings some cautious optimism regarding star wide receiver Zay Flowers. Despite dealing with a lingering hamstring issue, he made the trip and participated in limited practice. However, analysts warned that if cleared to play, he would likely have a restricted workload.
While the fact that he made the journey offers a glimmer of hope, his actual availability on game day remains uncertain. Major NFL insiders took to social media to provide updates, starting with Ian Rapoport, who reported that Flowers plans to test his leg before the game, making it a true game-time decision. Rapoport emphasized that the team is not relying on his participation.
Echoing this cautious sentiment, Adam Schefter noted that the Ravens are putting Flowers through a rigorous pregame workout to assess his hamstring. A source referred to it as a “true pre-game decision,” while reiterating that the organization is preparing as if he might not be available. Additionally, Mike Garafolo pointed out that the team's examination of the Maracanã Stadium’s turf during a walkthrough adds another layer of complexity to this medical gamble, as the field conditions will influence the final decision on whether to play him.
The growing uncertainty is reflected in the official injury report, where Flowers' trajectory includes two missed practices followed by a limited session on Friday. His status hangs in the balance, especially with Ronnie Stanley ruled out due to a toe injury. If Flowers ultimately cannot play, Lamar Jackson will need to direct targets toward alternative pass catchers.
As kickoff in Rio approaches, balancing the star receiver's long-term health against the risks associated with a tricky field will be crucial for Baltimore's offensive strategy.