WR Zay Flowers blames ex-coach for Ravens’ injury issues
Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers theorized the cause of injury issues in Baltimore was former coach John Harbaugh's demanding practice schedule.
Flowers said on the podcast "4th and South" the Ravens were in "full pads all the time" and didn't have ample time for recovery and treatment of injuries. Harbaugh was fired at the end of the 2025 regular season after 19 years with the team and quickly hired by the New York Giants.
"However many practices in pads you can get, every single one. We're doing one-on-ones in Week 17," said Flowers. "Week 17, we're doing one-on-ones, everybody out there, we're tired, we're still going."
Padded practices are permitted under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement with restrictions. A total of 14 padded practices -- and no more than one padded practice per week -- are allowed during the regular season. Eleven of the total padded practices in the regular season must be held during the first 11 weeks of the season.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson was a regular non-participant in practices last season. When was asked how players handled Harbaugh's practice schedule, Flowers replied, "We don't. That's why we had a lot of injuries, because of how we practiced, how we went. The load was heavy."
Former Ravens assistant Jesse Minter, hired to replace Harbaugh, is making changes after hearing from players, according to Flowers.
"He knows how we worked with Harbaugh," Flowers said. "So, he's like, 'You're going to get your work, but it's going to be a little easier on your body. You're going to be fresher for the game.'"
Minter worked for Harbaugh and the Ravens from 2017-20 and joined Jim Harbaugh as defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2022 and 2023. When Jim Harbaugh won a national title with the Wolverines and returned to the NFL as head coach of the Chargers, he hired Minter as his defensive coordinator (2024-25).
John Harbaugh led the Ravens to six AFC North titles and a Super Bowl in the 2012 postseason, compiling an overall record of 193-124.