Ravens receiver Zay Flowers blames Harbaugh's heavy practices for injury surge

Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers said the team’s injury problems last season stemmed from overly intense practices run by former head coach John Harbaugh. ^[1]

If the training regimen contributed to the high injury rate, the franchise may need to reassess its approach to player health and roster stability, a concern that could shape the team’s strategy heading into the next season. ^[1]

“Harbaugh’s practices were heavy and that’s why we had a lot of injuries last season,” Flowers said—referring to the 2024 NFL season. ^[1]

Flowers said the volume and intensity of the drills left players fatigued, increasing the likelihood of strains and overuse injuries, a pattern he noted across several position groups during the campaign. The wide receiver pointed to the team's placement of multiple players on injured reserve as evidence of the toll the schedule took on the roster. ^[2]

Flowers said the incoming defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, will avoid repeating the same approach. “John Harbaugh made Ravens practice too hard, Jesse Minter won’t,” Flowers said. ^[4]

The comments arrive as the NFL faces broader scrutiny over practice schedules, with analysts noting that several clubs have adjusted drill intensity after similar injury spikes in recent years. Heavy.com reported that league‑wide discussions are prompting teams to balance preparation with player safety, a conversation that could influence future collective‑bargaining talks. ^[2]

While the Ravens have not publicly responded to Flowers’ statements, the franchise’s medical staff is expected to review the feedback as part of its offseason evaluation, aiming to reduce injury risk and improve on‑field performance for the upcoming campaign.