The Baltimore Ravens are a tough stylistic matchup for the New Orleans Saints, but it appears there's a chance that one part of their offense could be limited in Week 2. Zay Flowers didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday with a hamstring injury. Back to back DNP to start the week puts the wide receiver's availability into question.
We know how things tend to go, and players find ways to play against the Saints, either fighting through injuries or recovering the week of the game. Until Flowers is ruled out, nothing is set in stone, but this would be a massive loss for the Baltimore offense.
The team already lost Ja'Kobi Lane, placing him on injured reserve after the season opener. The rookie had received a stamp from Michael Thomas and was projected to make an immediate impact in the passing attack. If Flowers has to miss the game, that'll be the Ravens' two top targets out of the game.
Zay Flowers is right on Chris Olave's heels
The reason many view the Ravens as a bad matchup for the Saints is the rushing ability of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. The Saints run defense was not up to par last week, and the Baltimore duo can make good run defenses look silly. The run game is the main attraction of the offense, but Flowers missing the game would still be a huge blow.
On Wednesday, head coach Jesse Minter gave a slightly positive update on Flowers' health, saying he's day to day. It's better than ruling him out, but it doesn't give certainty either. With hamstrings, they can be notoriously pesky, just look at Cam Jordan and Jordyn Tyson.
Describing Flowers as the Ravens' top wide receiver wouldn't be giving him his proper due. He's one of the rising young receivers in the league, and that's why the Ravens proactively gave him $35 million per year just three years into his career, a year before many of draft picks get paid.
Chris Olave stole the show with a league-leading 182 yards in Week 1, and Flowers came in second with 150. Additionally, Flowers is a huge run after the catch threat. He reeled in a 54 yard touchdown pass and the majority of it was yards after catch.
Flowers was running through traffic, yet it never truly felt like any Colts defender was a threat to bring him down. He's explosive, and he doesn't need open field to make a play.
The Saints played soft coverage a lot against the Lions, leaving receivers with room after the caught the ball. The defense rallied quickly, but they may not be as lucky against a receiver like Flowers. He doesn't need to get downfield to break off an explosive play.
The wide receiver's health is a story to monitor over the next couple of days. Don't let the running game trick you into thinking the Ravens can't sling it through the air. However, missing their best receiving threats would definitely put an arm behind their back.
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