Zay Flowers says Harbaugh’s practices contributed to Ravens’ injury woes in 2025

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has suggested that the physically demanding practice regimen under former head coach John Harbaugh played a significant role in the team’s injury struggles during the 2025 season.

In an appearance on the “4th and South” podcast released in mid-April 2026, Flowers stated that the Ravens conducted nearly every practice in full pads and maintained a high intensity throughout the season, including in Week 17.

“Full pads all the time,” Flowers said. “However many practices in pads you can get, every single one. We’re doing one-on-ones in Week 17. Week 17, we’re doing one-on-ones, everybody out there, we’re tired, we’re still going.”

When asked how players managed the workload, Flowers replied bluntly: “We don’t.” He added: “That’s why we had a lot of injuries, because of how we practiced, how we went. The load was heavy.”

The Ravens finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, marking Harbaugh’s 18th and final year with the Baltimore franchise. Flowers acknowledged Harbaugh’s success during his tenure, including a Super Bowl victory in 2012, but suggested the practice approach may have contributed to player fatigue, and injuries.

Flowers noted that injury issues affected the team early in the 2025 season, citing a Week 5 loss to the Houston Texans where Baltimore was without seven Pro Bowl players, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, who dealt with a hamstring injury.

The wide receiver emphasized that while he holds respect for Harbaugh and credits him for the team’s achievements, the physical nature of practices under the former coach likely left the Ravens more susceptible to injuries compared to other NFL teams.

Flowers revealed that the Ravens engaged in as many fully padded practices as permitted under the collective bargaining agreement and maintained intense drills even late in the season when players were already fatigued.

He described his own weekly workload, stating he ran approximately 10,000 yards in both Week 1 and Week 2, followed by 4,000- to 5,000-yard practice weeks that accumulated over the course of the season.

“We’re running all week,” Flowers said during the podcast appearance.

The Ravens’ injury problems in 2025 contributed to a disappointing season that ultimately led to organizational changes, including the departure of John Harbaugh after 18 seasons as head coach.

As the team moves forward under new leadership, player health and practice management remain key topics of discussion within the organization and among fans.

The Ravens will look to build on lessons learned from the 2025 season as they prepare for upcoming campaigns, with a focus on balancing competitive preparation with player longevity and injury prevention.

For continued coverage of the Baltimore Ravens and NFL developments, fans can follow official team channels and trusted sports news outlets for the latest updates.