The Baltimore Ravens produced 506 yards during their 41-23 victory over Indianapolis, but they finished the season opener with significant uncertainty at wide receiver. Rookie Ja’Kobi Lane received an initial diagnosis of a fractured wrist
and will undergo additional testing to determine the severity of the injury. Zay Flowers, meanwhile, is considered day to day after leaving with a hamstring injury that reportedly is not considered serious.Devontez Walker was already inactive because of a groin injury. By the fourth quarter, Rashod Bateman, LaJohntay Wester and practice squad elevation Chris Moore were Baltimore’s only available wide receivers.
The Ravens could rely on their current depth, elevate Xavier Guillory, or wait for additional medical
information. If Eric DeCosta decides outside help is necessary, these 12 available veterans could be worth a look.
1. Darius Slayton
Slayton is the most appealing combination of recent production, experience, and potential fit. The former Giants receiver has 296 receptions for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns across 106 games. He has averaged 15 yards per reception and led New York in receiving yards during four seasons.
The Giants released Slayton shortly before the opener, making him available without Baltimore surrendering draft compensation. His vertical speed and experience playing outside would help replace Lane’s field-stretching role while providing Lamar Jackson with a proven deep target. Slayton recorded 37 receptions for 538 yards in 2025.
2. Gabe Davis
Davis has caught 195 passes for 3,098 yards and 30 touchdowns across 80 regular-season games. His 15.9-yard career average reflects his value as a vertical and intermediate target. The former Bills and Jaguars receiver also shares the NFL postseason record with four touchdown receptions in one game, accomplishing the feat against Kansas City after the 2021 season.
At 6-foot-2, Davis could provide size on the outside and in the red zone. His familiarity with high-volume passing attacks and experience playing alongside mobile quarterbacks could help him transition into a short-term role without needing to become the offense’s primary target.
3. Brandin Cooks
Cooks is the most accomplished receiver on the list. The former first-round selection has 734 receptions for 9,811 yards and 60 touchdowns during his career. He has recorded six 1,000-yard seasons and appeared in Super Bowls with New England and the Los Angeles Rams.
4. Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Valdes-Scantling has 219 career receptions for 3,686 yards and 21 touchdowns. His 16.8-yard average demonstrates the vertical element he has provided throughout his stops with Green Bay, Kansas City, Buffalo, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh.
5. Sterling Shepard
Shepard has 443 receptions for 4,800 yards and 25 touchdowns across 117 games. His most productive season came in 2018, when he recorded 66 receptions for 872 yards and four scores.
Baltimore already has some familiarity with Shepard after working him out before signing Moore to the practice squad. That previous evaluation could make him one of the easier players to revisit.
6. Curtis Samuel
Samuel offers a different skill set from the traditional outside receivers on this list. He has 355 career receptions for 3,717 yards and 24 receiving touchdowns. He has also rushed for 729 yards and seven scores while averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
The former second-round selection produced career highs of 77 receptions and 851 receiving yards with Carolina in 2020. His versatility has allowed him to align in the slot, outside, and in the backfield.
7. Josh Reynolds
Reynolds has accumulated 244 receptions for 3,228 yards and 20 touchdowns across nine NFL seasons. The former Texas A&M standout earned second-team All-SEC honors twice and helped the Rams reach Super Bowl LIII.
The 6-foot-3 receiver has operated as a complementary target throughout his career. He understands how to work alongside more prominent playmakers and has experience in multiple offensive systems.
8. Zay Jones
Jones has 307 receptions for 3,295 yards and 18 touchdowns during nine NFL seasons. His best professional season came with Jacksonville in 2022, when he caught 82 passes for 823 yards and five touchdowns.
The former East Carolina star was a first-team All-American and once held the NCAA career receptions record. He has since played for Buffalo, Las Vegas, Jacksonville, and Arizona.
9. JuJu Smith-Schuster
Smith-Schuster has 481 career receptions for 5,624 yards and 35 touchdowns. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2018 after producing 111 catches for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. He was also selected to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and won Super Bowl LVII with Kansas City.
At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Smith-Schuster brings strength, toughness, and experience working between the numbers.
10. Terrace Marshall Jr.
Marshall has 67 receptions for 808 yards and one touchdown across 43 NFL games. The former Carolina second-round pick was also a member of LSU’s undefeated 2019 national championship team.
At 6-foot-2, Marshall offers the size and catch radius Baltimore could lose during Lane’s absence.
11. Tyler Johnson
Johnson has 88 receptions for 1,025 yards and five touchdowns in 59 games. The former Minnesota standout was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection and won Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay as a rookie.
12. Denzel Mims
Mims has 42 NFL receptions for 676 yards across 30 games, averaging 16.1 yards per catch. He was a second-round selection by the Jets in 2020 after earning first-team All-Big 12 honors at Baylor.
The 6-foot-3 receiver returned to the NFL with Dallas during the offseason after playing for the UFL’s Arlington Renegades. The Cowboys released him before Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 12 available wide receivers Ravens could sign amid injury concerns
