The Baltimore Ravens might be double-digit favorites against the Pittsburgh Steelers but Ravens fans aren't calling this game a layup.
Not only do the Steelers have the Ravens' number recently (winning eight out of the last 10) but they tend to give Lamar Jackson trouble.
Baltimore's ability to combat that trend may have just gotten a lot harder following Tuesday's injury report...
Zay Flowers nonparticipant on Tuesday
Observations
- Zay Flowers : Obviously the most worrisome of all the names on the list, Flowers injured his knee against the Cleveland Browns in the AFC North defining game. His nonparticipation on Tuesday isn't a great sign but Wednesday and Thursday will be pivotal for his availability
- Kyle Hamilton : A surprise addition on the injury report, Hamilton may have just taken things slow in the first practice of the week with more info to follow
- Deonte Harty: Harty was back in full participation and looks to be set for Saturday
- Justice Hill : The utility back was at least able to log a limited participation level which is good for his concussion-like symptoms
Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews undoubtedly form Lamar Jackson's favorite duo of pass catchers. While the Steelers may be reeling as losers of four straight, if they only have to hone in on one threat in the passing game, it could put some extra pressure on Lamar Jackson's shoulders, which is the last thing he needs heading into the playoffs given his postseason history.
But according to Kyle Van Noy, don't think that Flowers will go quietly into the night:
“Knowing Zay, he’s played when he hasn’t practiced," said Van Noy on his podcast. "He’s a tough little sucker bro…He’s gonna do everything he can to play. I’m going in expecting to see him…I’m going in knowing I got him in the game”
"It's not a season-ending injury. It's just gonna be day-to-day, do everything he can do to get back as soon as he can. And we'll see where that takes us," HC John Harbaugh said earlier this week.
