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Lamar Jackson’s top target is out.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering their playoff matchup against Baltimore as massive underdogs, but one thing did sway in the team’s favor Thursday, as the Ravens officially ruled out their Pro Bowl starting wide receiver Zay Flowers. Ravens HC John Harbaugh confirmed Flowers’ upcoming absence in a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
Flowers leads the team in targets, receptions and receiving yards this season, earning him a trip to the Pro Bowl — the first Ravens WR in history to achieve the feat. Without his top receiver, MVP candidate Lamar Jackson will likely distribute the ball across the formation rather than concentrating targets toward one particular receiver. Expect an increased role for former first-round pick Rashod Bateman, who’s had career campaign with 756 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, as well as versatile tight end Isaiah Likely.
Flowers posted lines of 2-39-1 and 5-100-0 in their first two respective matchups in the 2024 season, the most recent one back in Week 16.