Dec 15, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) carries the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Ravens’ John Harbaugh: WR Zay Flowers has ‘chance’ to play vs. Bills

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh refused to rule out Zay Flowers for Sunday’s AFC divisional playoff game against the host Buffalo Bills despite seeing his wide receiver sit out practice all week.

Later Friday, the Ravens listed Flowers as doubtful to play against the Bills.

“I think he’ll have a chance (to play),” Harbaugh said prior to Friday’s practice of Flowers, who sustained a knee injury during the Ravens’ 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Jan. 4.

Flowers didn’t practice at all last week and was ruled out of Baltimore’s wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last Saturday.

Selected to his first Pro Bowl, Flowers led the Ravens this season with 74 receptions for 1,059 yards. He caught four passes for touchdowns.

Flowers, 24, started all 16 games as a rookie in 2023, when he had 77 receptions for 858 yards and five TDs, and rushed eight times for 56 yards and another score. The Ravens selected him with the 22nd overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Boston College.

Baltimore returner/receiver Deonte Harty (knee) is listed as questionable after practicing all week. Harty would have to be activated from injured reserve to play Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (98) chases during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Ravens mum on Lamar Jackson missing practice

Lamar Jackson was among a collection of Baltimore Ravens players who missed practice Monday.

Coach John Harbaugh wouldn’t delve into specific reasons why his star quarterback, cornerback Nate Wiggins and receiver/return specialist Deonte Harty were absent from practice, saying some players had physical issues and some had personal reasons.

“Injury report comes out Wednesday afternoon,” Harbaugh said as Baltimore began its preparation for its home opener Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Ravens were on the practice field Monday because they had a long weekend following their 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL season opener Thursday.

Jackson completed 26 of 41 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown and racked up 122 rushing yards on 16 attempts in that game. The Ravens lost after an apparent touchdown on the last play of regulation was overturned, with tight end Isaiah Likely ruled out of bounds on his catch.

Jackson, 27, missed four practice sessions early in training camp due to an illness. The 27-year-old is the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, winning the award for the second time last year.

Linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Adisa Isaac also missed practice, but for reasons that were more obvious. Van Noy injured an eye during the Chiefs game, with reports saying he sustained a fractured orbital bone. Issac has a hamstring strain.

–Field Level Media

Apr 13, 2023; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (M), head coach John Harbaugh (L), and executive vice president & general manager Eric DeCosta (R) speak to media at his introduction press conference at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens WR Odell Beckham Jr.: Pain no longer an issue

Odell Beckham Jr. is expected to slowly get up to speed with the Baltimore Ravens while working his way back from an ACL injury.

Signed to a one-year, $15 million contract in April, Beckham said Tuesday that he’s encouraged by the progress he’s made since sustaining the injury during Super Bowl LVI.

“It feels good to be able to get out of bed and not feel pain,” said the 30-year-old Beckham, who sat out all of last season.

“It feels good to feel like if I needed to take off running right now, I could take off running. It’s been a long journey this time around and it was its own process, so I just had to take that for what it was.”

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters that Beckham is considered a “full go” for practice.

“He’s learning the offense for the first time like a lot of guys have been,” Harbaugh said. “So, I think we’ll kind of be a see as we go. (He’ll) go through individual (work), take a few reps in group (work) and team and see how he and the other guys feel and go from there.”

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Beckham has recorded 531 catches for 7,367 yards and 56 touchdowns in 96 career games (91 starts) with the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams. He exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in five of his first six seasons.

–Field Level Media

Jan 22, 2020; Kissimmiee, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman during AFC practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens, OC Greg Roman part ways after six seasons

Greg Roman stepped down as offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.

Roman, 50, has spent six seasons with the Ravens, including the last four as the team’s offensive coordinator.

This season wasn’t kind to Roman, however, as fans openly vented their frustration with the direction of the team. Running back J.K. Dobbins also complained about a lack of touches in the red zone during Baltimore’s 24-17 wild-card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

“After visiting with Coach (John) Harbaugh and after huddling with my family, I have decided that now is the right time to move on from the Ravens so that I can explore new challenges and opportunities,” Roman said in a statement. “… I’ll truly miss Baltimore, but at the same time I am excited to attack my next opportunity with focus and passion.”

Harbaugh, who is entering his 16th season with the team, will begin the search for his seventh offensive coordinator.

“Greg has led the development and success of a record-setting offense in Baltimore for several seasons,” Harbaugh said in a statement. “He is a tremendous football coach, as well as a family man and person. Greg devised and led our offense to no fewer than 26 historical NFL and franchise achievements. He established an identity for our offense.

“We are grateful for Greg’s great work and abilities, and we wish him and his wonderful family the utmost happiness going forward.”

Under Roman’s watch, the Ravens set an NFL record for rushing yards in a season (3,216 in 2019) and rushing yards by a quarterback (Lamar Jackson, 1,206 in 2019), among others. The team finished first in yards and points scored in 2019, with Jackson being named NFL MVP in the process.

But the Ravens struggled at times offensively this season, especially after Jackson sustained a knee injury against the Denver Broncos on Dec. 4. Baltimore failed to eclipse 17 points during Jackson’s six-game absence.

Fans voiced their frustration in a variety of ways, including “Fire Greg Roman” signs during and after a 13-3 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 17. Harbaugh, in fact, cut off a question from the press about Roman’s future after that game.

“We’re not getting into all that,” Harbaugh said at the time. “You guys can talk about all that and I respect that. I love the fans talking about everything they can talk about.”

The Ravens finished the season ranked 16th in total offense (338.8 yards per game) and 28th in passing offense (178.8).

Roman spent his first two seasons in Baltimore as an assistant focused on the tight end position. He also served as an offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers (2011-14) and Buffalo Bills (2015-16).

–Field Level Media

Aug 28, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (L) talks with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during warmups prior to their game against the Washington Football Team at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens’ John Harbaugh on Lamar Jackson: ‘You don’t know’

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said he didn’t know quarterback Lamar Jackson was planning to reveal the nature and severity of his knee injury.

“I didn’t know anything about that,” Harbaugh said. “Haven’t paid much attention to it.”

Harbaugh said Friday he didn’t want to share conversations with any player. When asked if Jackson could be available for a potential divisional playoff game next week, Harbaugh stayed on message.

“I can’t know,” he said.

Most didn’t know the exact challenge facing Jackson in his bid to play for the first time since Dec. 4.

That was until Jackson posted a detailed statement outlining his injury, progress and game status on social media. It was in stark contrast to Harbaugh’s deliberately evasive responses the past six weeks regarding when the MVP quarterback might play again.

“Here’s the thing. You don’t know. … That’s how injuries work,” Harbaugh said. “You get asked about injuries all the time. I’m always hopeful guys can come back quicker from an injury. I can’t know. I don’t know. What I’m thinking about right now is this game.”

While the Ravens are prepping for the wild-card playoff game Sunday night at Cincinnati, Jackson said he’s fighting just to practice.

“That’s the thing, it’s not something that we can comment on,” Harbaugh said. “The nature of an injury specifically, the only one that can comment on that is the person (with the injury). There’s laws around that. We’re educated by the league in terms of what we’re allowed to say and not allowed to say.”

Jackson said his grade 2 posterior cruciate ligament sprain was “on the borderline” of a grade 3.

“There is still inflammation surrounding my knee and my knee remains unstable,” Jackson wrote. “I’m still in good spirits, as I continue with treatments on the road to recovery.

“I wish I could be out there with my guys more than anything but I can’t give a 100% of myself to my guys and fans. I’m still hopeful we still have a chance.”

Tyler Huntley is pegged to start for Baltimore and face Cincinnati for the second time in seven days.

He stepped in for Jackson in the first quarter of the Dec. 4 game against the Denver Broncos and started the four subsequent games, including the Week 18 loss to the Bengals.

The Ravens beat the Broncos, 10-9, in their Week 13 game and haven’t cleared 17 points since losing Jackson.

–Field Level Media

Dec 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA;  Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh on the walks the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens extend coach John Harbaugh’s contract through 2025

The Ravens announced a three-year contract extension for head coach John Harbaugh that keeps him in Baltimore through the 2025 season.

Terms were not disclosed. Harbaugh was entering the final year of his previous four-year deal signed in 2019.

Owner Steve Bisciotti made the announcement at the NFL annual meetings in Palm Beach, Fla.

“No interest in having him go lame duck on me here. It’s not fair to him,” Bisciotti said. “I think John’s grown and grown and grown. It’s kind of interesting. I don’t feel like I’m just signing up the same guy. I think that’s really a compliment to him. I really feel like there’s a rebirth in John as the years go on. Things that mattered to him don’t matter as much anymore. I’m just thrilled as an owner to have a guy that’s going to be going into his 15th year. So, I’m pretty pleased with it.”

The 2022 season will be Harbaugh’s 15th, making him the third-longest tenured coach in the NFL, behind Bill Belichick and AFC North rival Mike Tomlin.

Harbaugh, 59, is 137-88 in 14 seasons and 11-8 in the postseason. He led the Ravens to a Super Bowl title in 2012. The team missed the playoffs this past season, the first time since 2017. Under Harbaugh, the Ravens have made the playoffs nine times.

He was named the 2019 AP Coach of the Year.

Harbaugh has only been a head coach with the Ravens, who hired him from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008 after 10 seasons as their special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach.

–Field Level Media

Dec 12, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh argues a call during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Ravens closing in on extension with John Harbaugh

The Baltimore Ravens are poised to sign longtime head coach John Harbaugh to a contract extension, ESPN reported Tuesday.

Harbaugh, 59, is entering the final year of a four-year contract he signed in January 2019. The new deal is expected to be done in a few weeks, per the report.

With Sean Payton reportedly stepping down, Harbaugh would become the third longest-tenured coach in the NFL, behind only Bill Belichick and Mike Tomlin.

Harbaugh is 137-88 in 14 regular seasons leading the Ravens. He is 11-8 in the postseason, including a Super Bowl title in the 2012 season. The team missed the playoffs this season, the first time since 2017. Under Harbaugh, the Ravens have made the playoffs in nine of his 14 seasons.

He was named the 2019 AP Coach of the Year.

Harbaugh has only been a head coach with the Ravens, who hired him from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008 after 10 seasons as their special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach.

–Field Level Media

Oct 4, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) hugs Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (R) after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Football Team at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens coach: No update on Lamar Jackson (ankle)

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn’t shed much light on the status of star quarterback Lamar Jackson on Wednesday.

Jackson didn’t practice at all last week due to an ailing ankle before sitting out Baltimore’s 31-30 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. It served as the first NFL start Jackson had missed because of injury in nearly four seasons.

The Ravens hope to have Jackson back under center this Sunday against the host Cincinnati Bengals. The AFC North rivals each own an 8-6 record, with the Bengals residing in first place by virtue of their head-to-head 41-17 win in Week 7 at Baltimore.

“I don’t really have any updates on that. That’s wait-and-see for all those guys,” Harbaugh said Wednesday. “Every single guy you’re going to ask me about is all going to be day-by-day. And we’ll just see where we are as we go.”

Backup Tyler Huntley completed 28 of 40 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns against the Packers. He also rushed 13 times for 73 yards and two scores.

Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, has thrown for 2,882 yards with 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 12 games this season. He also has rushed 767 yards and two scores.

Defensive end Calais Campbell (thigh), offensive guards Patrick Mekari (hand) and Ben Powers (foot) and fullback Patrick Ricard (back, knee) are also nursing injuries for the Ravens.

–Field Level Media

May 26, 2021; Owings Mills, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) passes the ball during an OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens’ Lamar Jackson focused on Super Bowl, not contract

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said Wednesday that his focus remains on winning a Super Bowl, rather than the status of his contract.

Jackson, 24, was named the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player and guided the Ravens to three trips to the postseason since entering the league as a first-round pick (32nd overall) in the 2018 draft.

“I ain’t going to lie to you. I’m not really focused on that right now,” Jackson said of a potential contract extension. “I’m focused on getting me a Super Bowl. Focused on getting better, and focused on working with my teammates right now … trying to bring a Super Bowl here.”

The Ravens exercised the fifth-year option for Jackson in April. He is guaranteed $23.016 million in 2022, although Jackson is scheduled to make $1.771 million this season as he enters the final season of a four-year, $9.47 million rookie contract.

“Lamar understands what’s important. Look what he’s done. He’s going to get paid and he knows that,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday.

Jackson has appeared in 46 regular-season games with the Ravens and is 30-7 as a starter. He’s thrown for 7,085 yards with 68 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He’s also had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and has 19 touchdowns on the ground.

In the playoffs, he is 1-3 as a starter, and his completion percentage is just 55.9 percent compared to 64 percent in the regular season. He has thrown three touchdown passes and five interceptions in the playoffs.

–Field Level Media

Oct 4, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates with Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (R) after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Football Team in the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

John Harbaugh says Ravens will pick up Lamar Jackson’s option

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh assured fans the team will stick with quarterback Lamar Jackson, telling “The Rich Eisen Show” on Tuesday he has no doubt the Ravens will exercise Jackson’s fifth-year option.

“Guarantee it,” Harbaugh said.

There had been speculation indicating the Ravens would consider trading up in Thursday’s first round of the NFL draft to select a quarterback and then allow Monday’s deadline to pass without exercising the option.

“He’s definitely going to be our quarterback,” Harbaugh said on the show. “That’s the plan, absolutely.”

Jackson would be guaranteed $23.1 million in 2022; he’s scheduled to make $1.7 million this season.

Jackson, 24, won the NFL MVP award in 2019 – only the second player to win the MVP unanimously – and became the first in league history with 5,000 yards passing and 2,500 yards rushing in the first three seasons of a career.

-Field Level Media