Ravens nearing full strength ahead of AFC divisional round matchup vs. Texans

The Ravens used the bye week to get even healthier and ahead of the divisional round matchup against the Texans, head coach John Harbaugh is “optimistic” that injured players gradually return to practice this week.

Zay Flowers (calf), Marlon Humphrey (calf), Odafe Oweh (ankle), Malik Harrison (groin) and Del’Shawn Phillips (shoulder) all missed practice last week, but things are starting to look good for the No. 1 seed ahead of Saturday.

“We’re pretty optimistic about everybody, varying degrees of optimism with certain guys,” Harbaugh said. “It’s just like any week, you have to see it unfold. Some guys are good to go. Other guys are going to be more day by day.”

In Monday roster moves that will help open spots for injured players returning, second-year cornerback Pepe Williams (ankle) was placed on injured reserve and veteran wide receiver Laquon Treadwell was released.

The Ravens have decisions to make on wide receiver/returner Devin Duvernay and defensive back Ar’Darius Washington who are in the middle of their injured reserve practice window.

Mark Andrews

Nov 16, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) fights a tackle from Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) in the first quarter in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports

Andrews returned to practice for the first time since ankle surgery, opening his 21-day window to be moved from injured reserve to the active roster. Andrews hopes to return at some point in the playoffs.

Zay Flowers

Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) celebrates with Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) after scoring a second quarter touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Flowers was inactive for the Ravens’ regular-season finale against the Steelers, but with the team having secured a first-round playoff bye, he’s had time to recover from his calf issue ahead of the divisional round.

Flowers had 77 catches for 858 yards and five touchdowns, and he’ll add an element of explosion to the Ravens passing game.

Marlon Humphrey

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Humphrey dealt with a calf injury earlier in the season and was re-injured in the win over the Dolphins.

The veteran corner missed Week 18, giving him extra time to recover ahead of a matchup with Nico Collins.

Odafe Oweh

Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

The pass rusher logged five sacks this season, and finished with an 80+ PFF grade after dealing with injuries earlier this season.

Malik Harrison (groin)

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Del'Shawn Phillips (shoulder)

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)