Zay Flowers Points to Practice Changes as Ravens Look to End Injury Struggles

The Baltimore Ravens are entering the 2026 season under new leadership with head coach Jesse Minter, and wide receiver Zay Flowers believes the change will directly address one of the team’s most persistent issues in recent years: injuries. After a disappointing 2025 campaign, optimism within the organization is centered on improved player health and a refreshed approach.

Flowers, entering his fourth season, has openly suggested that the team’s previous training methods played a role in its injury problems. His comments have added a new layer to discussions around how the Ravens managed practice intensity under former head coach John Harbaugh.

Baltimore finished 8–9 in 2025, narrowly missing the playoffs and falling short of an AFC North title. The season was defined in part by an extensive injury list that impacted several key contributors throughout the roster.

The coaching change that followed has brought renewed attention to how the team will manage workload and recovery moving forward.

1. Concerns Over Previous Practice Demands

Flowers has pointed to the Ravens’ previous practice structure as a contributing factor to the team’s injury issues. He described a routine that involved high physical intensity throughout the season. According to Flowers, the team frequently practiced in full pads and continued high-contact drills deep into the regular season. He suggested that this level of physical strain carried over into games and contributed to fatigue. He also recalled demanding weekly workloads, noting that even late in the season the team continued one-on-one drills and high-repetition sessions. In his view, the accumulation of practice stress played a role in the number of injuries sustained. His comments have sparked broader discussion about the balance between preparation and player health in modern NFL training environments.

2. Transition to Jesse Minter’s Approach

With Minter now in charge, Flowers says early conversations have already addressed the need for a modified approach. The receiver indicated that the new coach is aware of the previous system and its physical demands. Minter, who previously worked within the organization, is expected to bring a more controlled practice structure aimed at preserving player health over the course of a long season. Flowers described the early tone as more balanced and recovery-focused. While maintaining competitiveness remains a priority, the emphasis appears to be shifting toward ensuring players are fresher on game days. That adjustment is seen internally as a key factor in improving consistency. Flowers has expressed confidence that the changes will reduce the physical toll on the roster compared to previous seasons.

3. Injury-Plagued Season Shapes Offseason Direction

The Ravens’ 2025 season was heavily impacted by injuries to several key players. Quarterback Lamar Jackson missed four games, during which the team posted a 2–2 record, highlighting his importance to overall performance. Other contributors also spent significant time sidelined, including Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, Isaiah Likely, Teddye Buchanan, Rashod Bateman, and Kyle Van Noy. The cumulative absences disrupted continuity on both sides of the ball. Those availability issues contributed to Baltimore narrowly missing the postseason despite remaining competitive in the division race. The lack of consistency ultimately played a decisive role in the team’s final standing. As the Ravens transition into a new coaching era, addressing durability and workload management has become a central focus for the organization moving forward.