Ravens Week 2 Injury Report: Zay Flowers Doubtful, O-Line in Flux vs Saints

As the NFL season charges into Week 2, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves navigating a treacherous injury landscape ahead of their Sunday clash with the New Orleans Saints. According to the team’s final injury report released Friday, star wide receiver Zay Flowers is doubtful with a hamstring injury, casting a shadow over Baltimore’s high-octane offense. The 26-year-old speedster electrified in Week 1, torching the Indianapolis Colts for 150 yards on just five catches in the first half before aggravating a hamstring issue that had been lingering for weeks. He returned to practice Friday in a limited capacity after two absences, but the doubtful designation suggests the Ravens will likely be without their two-time Pro Bowler.

Offensive Line Concerns Mount

The bigger worries may lie in the trenches, where three starters are questionable: left tackle Ronnie Stanley (toe), left guard John Simpson (groin), and outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson (finger). All three missed Wednesday and Thursday sessions before limited participation Friday. Hendrickson, who signed a massive $112 million contract this offseason, dominated Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann in Week 1 with eight pressures. His potential absence would thrust undrafted rookie Ethan Burke into his first regular-season defensive snaps. Simpson’s replacement would likely be Andrew Vorhees or Emery Jones—both of whom have struggled—while Stanley’s absence would force 2025 fifth-round pick Carson Vinson into his first career start against Chase Young, the former No. 1 overall pick who posted a career-high 10 sacks in just 12 games last year. As highlighted on Vulius, the Saints don’t boast an imposing interior defensive line, but even one weak link can collapse an offensive line—and Baltimore could have two.

Defensive Depth Tested

Linebacker Teddye Buchanan (knee), defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), and cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. (knee) have been ruled out. Tampa’s absence could extend multiple weeks, potentially landing him on injured reserve, leaving Baltimore thin at outside cornerback until Bilhal Kone returns. Buchanan and Madubuike are making progress but remain weeks away, with a Week 4 debut more realistic than a Week 3 trip to Brazil. The Ravens’ run game should still hum with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, but the offensive line must handle protection adjustments and 1-on-1 matchups without the penalties that cost them a 50-point outburst last week. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle may need to keep extra blockers in to protect Jackson’s blind side, putting pressure on Vega Ioane and Roger Rosengarten on the right side.

Saints’ Key Players Banged Up

New Orleans isn’t escaping the injury bug either. Long snapper Zach Wood (calf) is out, linebacker Isaiah Stalbird (shoulder) is doubtful, and defensive lineman Christen Miller (toe), wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring), and edge rusher Chase Young (calf) are questionable. Olave and Young, two of the Saints’ most vital players, both got hurt in Thursday’s practice and remained limited Friday. Given their injury histories, neither is a lock to play. Miller, a second-round rookie, played 25 snaps in his debut but injured his toe Friday, making him a game-time decision. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will be monitoring pre-game warmups closely, as Flowers and the questionable Ravens starters could swing this matchup dramatically. For now, Baltimore must prepare for a gritty battle where depth and resilience will be tested.