Many thought the Baltimore Ravens overpaid Zay Flowers in the offseason. The team gave the speedy receiver a four-year, $140 million deal, making him one of the highest-paid pass catchers in the NFL. The Boston College product has proven his worth to his team, though.
Not only is he Lamar Jackson's favorite target, but the Ravens struggled mightily without him in Week 2, when he was forced to sit because of a hamstring injury. Originally, it appeared as though Flowers would only miss that one game, but now his status ahead of Week 3 is in doubt.
Flowers was a non-participant in Baltimore's Wednesday practice. Flowers was joined in that regard by Calais Campbell, Trey Hendrickson, and Ronnie Stanley, all of whom are among the Ravens' best players. The Ravens are playing in Brazil this week, meaning a longer-than-normal travel schedule.
Flowers, a 2023 first-round pick, has 242 career receptions for 3,278 yards. He caught five passes for 150 yards and a score in Week 1, which was good for an astonishing 30 yards per catch. While Jackson is arguably the best rushing quarterback ever, he relies heavily on the sure-handedness and route running expertise of Flowers. Plus, the receiver really opens up the offense because of his deep threat ability, which allows Jackson and Derrick Henry more opportunity to make magic happen with their legs.
Flowers' next opportunity to practice will be on Thursday, before the team takes their flight into South America. Their Week 3 matchup will be against the Dallas Cowboys.