Why isn't Zay Flowers playing tonight vs Steelers? Exploring Ravens WR's status for Wild Card Weekend

Zay Flowers was a bright spot for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024 regular season. The second-year wide receiver was a constant target for Lamar Jackson and thrived in a typically rush-heavy offense. Flowers put to bed any worries of him undergoing the dreaded sophomore slump.

However, he will not be available for his team's first game in the postseason. Ahead of Saturday's wild-card round game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, let's examine why Flowers will be absent.

Why isn't Zay Flowers playing tonight?

Zay Flowers will not play because of a knee injury he sustained against the Cleveland Browns in the last game of the regular season. Flowers suffered the injury early in the second quarter.

The sophomore WR grabbed his right knee after snagging a 12-yard pass from Lamar Jackson. Flowers tossed and turned in pain as his teammates looked on in concern. Thankfully, he made his way to the medical tent on his own.

After the game, Ian Rapoport reported that Flowers could return in the divisional round if the Ravens defeat the Steelers in the wild-card round. That should motivate his teammates as they look to extend their postseason run.

How did Zay Flowers perform in the regular season?

Zay Flowers was excellent in the regular season, silencing doubters who wondered whether his rookie performances were a flash in the pan. He was instrumental in the Ravens' decent pass-catching system alongside their stellar run game.

Flowers recorded 74 catches, 1,059 receiving yards and four touchdowns. His efforts got him a Pro Bowl nod, making him the first Ravens WR to earn the honor.

The Baltimore Ravens will face the Pittsburgh Steelers as they start their journey to the Super Bowl. They might be fancied against their divisional rivals, but a game against a team led by Mike Tomlin will always be tricky. John Harbaugh will likely utilize his solid run game without Flowers in the wild-card round.