Ravens injury report: Zay Flowers doubtful, Nnamdi Madubuike out for home opener

Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun on Sep 18, 2026

Published in Football

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BALTIMORE — After producing more than 500 yards in Week 1, the Ravens’ offense is facing far more uncertainty entering its home opener Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers practiced for the first time this week on Friday but was limited and is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley also took the field for the first time this week as he continues to deal with a toe injury, but he was limited and is listed as questionable.

Being without both could significantly hamper an offense that looked explosive in its season opener.

Flowers had 150 receiving yards and a touchdown on five catches in less than a full two quarters last week against the Indianapolis Colts before aggravating the same hamstring he injured in August and not returning. Stanley, the Ravens’ longest-tenured player, anchors quarterback Lamar Jackson’s blind side, though the 32-year-old veteran gave up a sack and two pressures last week, per Pro Football Focus.

Neither player did much during the open portion of practice Friday, and Flowers was walking with Ravens head athletic trainer Adrian Dixon when the session closed to reporters, which was probably telling.

Baltimore also lacks depth at each position should neither be available Sunday.

Veteran Rashod Bateman would elevate to the top receiver spot, but he had zero catches and just one target last week. The Ravens are also without promising rookie Ja’Kobi Lane, who was placed on injured reserve earlier this week after undergoing wrist surgery.

Beyond Bateman, the Ravens added veteran Chris Moore to the 53-man roster from the practice squad earlier this week but have little else with proven experience. Third-year receiver Devontez Walker, sophomore LaJohntay Wester and rookie Elijah Sarratt, who was inactive last week, have a career nine combined catches for 172 yards and four touchdowns — with Walker accounting for seven of those receptions and all the scores.

With Stanley potentially sidelined, 2025 fifth-round draft pick Carson Vinson would be in line for his first NFL start. He has played just 14 career offensive snaps.

Ravens fans will also have to wait at least another week for the return of defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, who was ruled out for a second straight week as he continues his slow return from last year’s season-ending neck injury in Week 2 that required surgery in April.

Outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson (finger) and guard John Simpson (groin) are listed as questionable, while cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. (knee) and linebacker Teddye Buchanan (knee) were ruled out. Tampa could be an injured reserve candidate.

The Saints, meanwhile, have their own injury concerns as they try to rebound from last week’s 31-30 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions.

Only long snapper Zach Wood (calf) has been ruled out, while reserve linebacker and special teamer Isaiah Stalbird (shoulder) is doubtful.

But New Orleans star receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) and edge rusher Chase Young (calf) are also both questionable after being limited again in practice. Rookie defensive lineman Christen Miller also suffered a toe injury Friday and is questionable.