The Ravens have decisions to make with Zay Flowers nursing an annoying hamstring injury, and Ja'Kobi Lane set to miss about a month with a fractured wrist. While the first thought might be to insert Devontez Walker or rookie Elijah Surratt into that role, Baltimore could look to a gritty veteran with big-play potential.
Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reported that Baltimore plans to make the move before Sunday’s home opener against the New Orleans Saints. The transaction may not become official for several days. The expected promotion follows CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz report that Lane could undergo surgery as soon as Wednesday. The Ravens hope their third-round pick can return in approximately one month. Placing Lane on injured reserve would open a spot
for Moore. Lane would have to miss at least four games before becoming eligible to return.
#Ravens promising rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane (wrist) is currently expected to undergo surgery in the coming days, potentially as soon as tomorrow, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 15, 2026
The current hope, per sources, is for him to be able to return in around a month. pic.twitter.com/yaQKcegLr2
Although Moore cannot fully replace Lane’s 6-foot-4 size and catch radius, the veteran provides the most dependable short-term option among Baltimore’s available receivers. Moore demonstrated that value during the Ravens’ 41-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. He caught one of his two targets for 53 yards after Lane and Zay Flowers left with injuries. Moore also returned four kickoffs for 121 yards, including a 42-yard return that gave Baltimore favorable field position before its first touchdown.
His contributions extended beyond the box score. Moore and Rashod Bateman delivered key blocks on Derrick Henry’s 32-yard touchdown run, showing the physicality receivers need in Declan Doyle’s offense.
That versatility separates Moore from Baltimore’s other options.
LaJohntay Wester offers speed and return ability but is significantly smaller and less experienced. Devontez Walker provides vertical speed and size, but he was inactive against Indianapolis because of a groin injury. Rookie Elijah Sarratt was a healthy scratch, while recently signed practice-squad receiver Gage Larvadain must learn the offense before he can be considered for a meaningful role.
Moore already understands Baltimore’s terminology, expectations, and special-teams structure. The Ravens originally selected him in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and his familiarity with the organization should let him enter the rotation without an extended adjustment period.
The 33-year-old has recorded 150 receptions for 1,970 yards during his NFL career. He has never been a high-volume target, but he has established himself as a dependable outside receiver who can stretch the field, block in the running game, and contribute across multiple special-teams units.
Those traits make him a better immediate choice than a younger receiver who may offer more developmental upside but cannot handle as many responsibilities. Flowers is considered day-to-day with a hamstring injury, while Walker’s status remains uncertain. That could leave Bateman, Moore, Wester and Sarratt as Baltimore’s available receivers against New Orleans.
For a Ravens offense trying to withstand an early test of its receiver depth, Moore’s reliability makes him the logical first answer.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens likely to promote Chris Moore with Ja’Kobi Lane facing surgery
