Zay Flowers is doubtful as Ravens rule three defenders out vs. Saints

The Baltimore Ravens will be missing three defensive players and are unlikely to have their leading receiver for Sunday’s home opener against the New Orleans Saints. Wide receiver Zay Flowers is listed as doubtful because of a hamstring injury. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan and cornerback T.J. Tampa have been ruled out.

Flowers did not practice Wednesday or Thursday before returning as a limited participant Friday. The designation leaves open a slight possibility that he could play, but Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reported that Flowers is not expected to be available. Flowers caught five passes for 150 yards and one touchdown before leaving Baltimore’s 41-23 victory over Indianapolis. If he is inactive, Rashod Bateman, Chris Moore, Devontez Walker, and LaJohntay Wester would represent the Ravens‘ available receiver group, with Elijah Sarratt potentially making his NFL regular season debut.

Game status vs. Saints pic.twitter.com/oC7p9MSG4X

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 18, 2026

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Walker practiced fully throughout the week after missing the opener with a groin injury.

Madubuike and Buchanan were limited participants during all three practices but could not gain clearance. Their absences remove two starters from the middle of Baltimore’s defense. Tampa did not practice this week after sustaining a knee injury against the Colts.

Baltimore also listed outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson, left guard John Simpson and left tackle Ronnie Stanley as questionable. Hendrickson returned as a limited participant Friday after missing two practices with a finger injury. Simpson and Stanley also returned on a limited basis Friday.

Calais Campbell, Jaylinn Hawkins and Keondre Jackson practiced fully on Friday and received no game designation.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Zay Flowers is doubtful as Ravens rule three defenders out vs. Saints