Will Zay Flowers Play vs. Steelers?

Yet, Saturday opened up a hint of doubt for Baltimore, who might not be at its best in the Wild Card Round.

Days after being announced as a Pro Bowl starter, receiver Zay Flowers went down with a leg injury trying to extend a play. He was helped off the field, casting doubt upon his return to the playoffs – and a chance at redemption for last year’s season-ending fumble.

Fortunately for Baltimore, head coach John Harbaugh suggested the injury won’t end Flowers’ year.

“It’s not a season-ending injury, so it’s just gonna be day-to-day, try to do everything he can,” Harbaugh said. “And we’ll see where that takes us.”

This opens the door for Flowers to miss Saturday’s contest against the Steelers, a potential key absence in the passing game. Flowers has led the Ravens in receiving in each of the first two years of his career. He’s developed a rapport with superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson and emphasizes the ability to remain multidimensional on offense.

Perhaps most important is his ability to be used on manufactured touches and as the motion man, forcing Pittsburgh’s not-so-sound defense to communicate and adjust on the fly to a high-level athlete with after-the-catch abilities.

The Steelers have a tall task ahead of them. Flowers might be available, and likely will be for the Divisional Round should Baltimore advance, but a limited version of Flowers (or his unavailability) could have a significant impact on this AFC North clash.

Pittsburgh needs every break it can get on Saturday. Entering as the more healthy team would go a long way toward bridging the gap in talent these teams possess.