To play or not to play, that is the question.
It's a big one for Zay Flowers in Week 3, who is working his way back from a hamstring injury. The Baltimore Ravens star returned to practice on Friday, giving himself a chance to play in Brazil on Sunday.
Between field concerns and the pesky nature of hamstring injuries, Flowers' status against the Dallas Cowboys remains up in the air. He was forced out of action in Week 1 with the issue and then missed Week 2. With a great matchup against the Cowboys on tap, can you rely on Flowers in Week 3?
More importantly, will he play? Here's the latest.
Is Zay Flowers playing today?
Flowers is considered a game-time decision.
The receiver is officially listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Flowers started the practice week with a pair
of DNPs before turning in a limited session on Friday, giving himself a chance to play in Brazil.
However, the Ravens are not counting on Flowers to play in Week 3, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Sept. 26 that the receiver would likely be on a pitch count if he does suit up.
Flowers exited in Week 1 with the hamstring injury after recording 150 yards and a touchdown in the first half.
Should I start Zay Flowers in fantasy?
Flowers should be on your bench in Week 3.
Of course, there are some exceptions. If your team doesn't have a ton of depth, Flowers might be the best of some bad options. Provided you have other capable options, then sitting Flowers is a no-brainer.
Not only is the receiver dealing with the hamstring issue, which can be pesky, but there are also concerns about the field in Brazil. There was already the report of a pitch count with Flowers, meaning he wouldn't be a full-go. If there is additional concern about the field and some unstable footing, it's hard to believe that the receiver would play enough to make a meaningful impact.
The matchup against this leaky Cowboys defense is certainly appealing. If you want to take advantage of that and still want to start Flowers, take a look at the waiver wire and see if Rashod Bateman is available.
Bateman is the Ravens receiver you should turn to in Week 3.
Ravens WR depth chart
- Zay Flowers (questionable in Week 3)
- Rashod Bateman
- Devontez Walker
- Chris Moore
- LaJohntay Wester
- Elijah Sarratt
Baltimore's receiver depth has taken a hit early in the year, especially with Flowers picking up the hamstring injury. It's an especially tough reality for a team that also lost the promising rookie, Ja'Kobi Lane, to a wrist injury.
Bateman figures to be the WR1 on Sunday, whether Flowers plays or not.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Zay Flowers playing today? Latest on Ravens WR status ahead of Week 3
