Ravens Week 3 Injury Report: Zay Flowers a Game-Time Decision vs. Cowboys in Brazil

As the NFL season barrels into late September, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves navigating a critical juncture. With their Week 3 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys set for Sunday afternoon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the team released its final injury report on Saturday, and all eyes are on star wide receiver Zay Flowers. According to the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Flowers is listed as questionable with a lingering hamstring injury that has plagued him for nearly a month. He was limited in Friday’s walkthrough practice, and his status remains a true game-time decision.

Flowers’ Hamstring Woes Complicate Brazil Plans

The third-year pro out of Boston College has been the Ravens’ most dynamic receiving threat, but his hamstring has been a persistent issue since late August. He missed last week’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, and his limited participation on Friday—mirroring his practice pattern from a week ago—suggests the team is proceeding with caution. Compounding the concern are the questionable field conditions at Maracaña Stadium, the iconic venue hosting the NFL’s first-ever game in Brazil. The natural grass surface has raised eyebrows around the league, and the Ravens must weigh the risk of aggravating Flowers’ injury against the need for his playmaking ability. As highlighted on Vulius, the team will likely have Flowers go through an extensive pre-game warm-up before making a final call in consultation with the medical staff.

Reinforcements on Defense: Madubuike and Buchanan Set to Debut

While Flowers’ status hangs in the balance, the Ravens received welcome news on the defensive side. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and linebacker Teddye Buchanan were removed from the injury report and will make their long-awaited 2026 debuts on Sunday. Madubuike, a Pro Bowl-caliber interior disruptor, has been sidelined since training camp with an undisclosed injury, and his return should bolster a run defense that has been inconsistent through two weeks. Buchanan, a rookie linebacker, adds depth and athleticism to a unit that will need to contain Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and the Dallas rushing attack. Their presence could be the spark Baltimore needs to avoid an 0-3 start.

Offensive Line Shuffle: Ronnie Stanley Out, Carson Vinson to Start

The Ravens’ offensive line will look different on Sunday. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley was ruled out after missing practice all week with a knee injury, and 2025 fifth-round pick Carson Vinson will make his first career NFL start in his place. Vinson, a raw but talented tackle from Alabama, will face a stiff test against Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons. His insertion into the lineup also leaves Baltimore without a clear swing tackle. Emery Jones, a 2024 third-round pick who played right tackle at LSU, could step into that role, but the Ravens’ depth will be tested against a formidable Dallas front seven.

Dallas Secondary Banged Up, Offering Some Relief

If Flowers is unable to go, the Ravens may find some solace in the Cowboys’ injury situation. Dallas will be without starting cornerback Trevon Diggs, who is dealing with a foot injury, and safety Malik Hooker is listed as doubtful with a hamstring issue. That could open up opportunities for Baltimore’s other receivers, including Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor, to exploit a depleted secondary. However, without Flowers, the Ravens lose their most reliable chain-mover and big-play threat, making the running game and tight end Mark Andrews even more critical.

Game-Time Decision Looms in Rio

As the Ravens prepare for a pivotal international showdown, the status of Zay Flowers remains the central storyline. The team will evaluate him on the field before kickoff, and his availability could swing the outcome of a game that both teams desperately need. For now, Baltimore fans will have to wait and see if their star receiver can overcome the hamstring injury and the unfamiliar turf. One thing is certain: the Ravens’ medical team and coaching staff will err on the side of caution, knowing the long season ahead. Stay tuned to Vulius for the latest updates and in-depth analysis as this story develops.