Ravens Host WR Brandin Cooks

Zay Flowers aggravated a training camp hamstring injury during the first half of Baltimore’s Week 1 win. He wound up sitting the second half of that game, and a lengthy absence is not expected. However, the Ravens’ injury report shows that Flowers did not practice on Thursday (after he was also absent yesterday). That certainly points to a strong possibility of the two-time Pro Bowler missing Week 2’s contest against the Saints.

Yesterday, the Ravens placed rookie receiver Ja’Kobi Lane on injured reserve. Lane is recovering from wrist surgery, and he will miss at least the next four games. Losing Lane and (potentially) Flowers makes it no surprise Baltimore is as at least looking into free agent receiver options. As a veteran of 182 combined regular season and playoff games, Cooks would certainly offer plenty of experience to the Ravens.

Cooks did not re-sign with Buffalo this offseason despite him making it known his preference was to continue playing with the Bills in 2026. The soon-to-be 33-year-old finished last season in Buffalo, joining as an in-season free agent after his request to be let go by the Saints was granted. Cooks managed just five catches during the regular season but added 78 yards on as many receptions across two playoff games with his sixth career team.

While the longtime speedster’s 2025 campaign will be best remembered for the play in which Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian recorded a game-changing interception during the divisional round, he could offer a boost to any number of passing attacks. The Ravens’ offense thrived in Week 1, but a short-term depth addition at the receiver spot could be coming relatively soon. Baltimore currently has roughly $5.5MM in cap space.