Owings Mills, MD. – Baltimore Ravens coach Jesse Minter said there is “potential” to bring in a free agent wide receiver as the team continues to evaluate its options with two of its top pass rushers ailing.
Both were Zai Flowers (hip) and rookie Jacoby Lane (wrist). He was injured in the first half of the Ravens 41-23 win at the Indianapolis Colts Sunday. They did not return for the second half.
Minter described Flowers as “day-to-day,” but was noncommittal about whether the team’s No. 1 receiver will be ready for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Flowers has been treating arthritis since the joint practices in Minnesota. He missed two weeks of practice but returned to full participation last week.
Minter Lane admitted that it could be “a bit long” with what NFL Network reported It was a broken wrist.
“You feel good about where that is,” Minter said Monday when asked about Flowers’ status, “but we’ll see how the week goes.” Jacoby might be a little taller. Now we are looking at some more things and talking to different people. That’s where those two guys are.”
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Lane is considered a candidate for injured reserve, which would keep him out of harm’s way for at least four weeks. Minter said Lane hurt his wrist early in Sunday’s game, but he didn’t feel the discomfort right away. When he did, he reported to the team’s medical staff and was completely shut down for the game.
Baltimore finished its Week 1 win with just three healthy receivers: Rashod Bateman, veteran practice squad call-up Chris Moore and return specialist Lajontay Wester. Rookie fourth-rounder Elias Sarratt and Devontez Walker were both inactive for the game. Sarath was a healthy scratch, while Walker was questionable with a groin injury. The team kicked him out.
That could change this week, when both are important. Even if the Ravens add someone, there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready to play by Sunday.
“I think there’s potential for (a buyout), but again, Tez Walker and Sarah, I have a lot of faith in those guys,” Minter said. Those two guys, I think, have a real chance to get themselves into the boat and get into a rhythm. Then, we’ll look at all the options to find out what’s best for the 70 guys and 53 practices we have.”
There aren’t many quality wide receivers on the free agent market. The roster includes veterans Darius Slaton, Brandin Cooks, Gabe Davis, Sterling Shepard and Tyler Lockett. When the Ravens chose to sign Moore before training camp, Shepard did.
Signing or not, if Flowers is sidelined, Bittman will likely step into the No. 1 receiver role. of A highly anticipated 2021 first-round pick He played 53 of the team’s 68 offensive snaps against the Colts. His downfield blocking led to some big plays for the Ravens, but he went without a catch and only targeted Lamar Jackson once. Bateman’s reception was canceled out by a penalty.
“I think there were a few (opportunities) there,” Minter said. I give ‘Bate’ a lot of credit for playing the game the right way. He ran good routes, he was open at times, maybe the play didn’t go his way, whatever, but he’s closing down the field, he’s not selfish.
“I think the offense shows over time that any day can be anybody’s big day. I’m happy with how he played and I think big days are ahead for Bate.”