The Baltimore Ravens made a move that all but confirms what fans have been dreading: star wide receiver Zay Flowers is unlikely to suit up for tonight’s Divisional Round clash against the Buffalo Bills. In a preemptive move, the Ravens have elevated wide receiver Anthony Miller from the practice squad.
Miller will join a receiving corps that includes Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace, Devontez Walker, and Steven Sims as Baltimore looks to fill the void left by Flowers, their leading receiver this season.
Anthony Miller’s contributions may have been modest during the regular season—just one catch in two games—but he showed signs of life in last weekend’s Wild Card win over the Steelers, catching three passes for 12 yards. While that stat line won’t blow anyone away, it demonstrates that Miller is ready to step up when called upon.
The veteran wideout joined the Ravens in August after stints with six different NFL teams. Of those, he was a practice squad member for half. Despite the journeyman narrative, Miller’s experience could prove valuable in a game of this magnitude.
Zay Flowers has been a game-changer for the Ravens this season, leading the team with 1,059 receiving yards and providing Lamar Jackson with a reliable downfield threat. His absence tonight means Baltimore will need a collective effort from its receivers to make up for his production.
While Anthony Miller likely won’t singlehandedly replace Flowers’ impact, his elevation reflects the Ravens’ “next man up” mentality. With Lamar Jackson at the helm and a talented supporting cast around him, Baltimore still has plenty of weapons to challenge Buffalo’s defense.
The road to victory tonight won’t be easy, but as the Ravens have shown time and again, they thrive in adversity. Let’s see if Miller and the rest of the receiving corps can rise to the occasion.
Let’s go, Ravens!