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Ravens Receiver Blames Harbaugh's Brutal Practices for Injuries
Zay Flowers says new coach Jesse Minter will take a different approach to keep players fresher for games.
Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:22pm
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A cubist interpretation of the physical toll of the Ravens' demanding practice regimen under former coach John Harbaugh.Baltimore TodayBaltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has blamed former head coach John Harbaugh's demanding practice schedule for the team's recurring injury issues. Flowers revealed that under Harbaugh, the Ravens practiced in full pads and did 1-on-1 drills every single week, leaving players exhausted. He believes new head coach Jesse Minter will take a more player-friendly approach to keep the team healthier.
Why it matters
The Ravens' injury troubles have been a major factor in the team's recent struggles, including missing the playoffs in 2025. Flowers' comments shed light on a potential root cause and suggest the team is hoping for a turnaround under the new coaching staff.
The details
Flowers said the Ravens practiced in full pads and did 1-on-1 drills every single week under Harbaugh, even late in the season when players were already worn down. He said this led to players being 'tired' and contributed to the team's high injury rate. Flowers revealed he would run '10,000 yards' in the first two games and then '4,000 or 5,000' more in practice each week.
- The Ravens went 8-9 in 2025, missing the playoffs.
- Harbaugh was fired as head coach following the 2025 season.
- Flowers spoke about the practice schedule on the '4th and South' podcast in April 2026.
The players
Zay Flowers
A fourth-year wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens.
John Harbaugh
The former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who was fired after the 2025 season.
Jesse Minter
The new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who previously worked with Harbaugh in 2017.
What they’re saying
“However many practices we can get, every single one [was in full pads]. Bro, we doing 1-on-1s in Week 17. Everybody out there, we tired... That's why, lowkey, we had a lot of injuries because of how we practice.”
— Zay Flowers, Ravens Wide Receiver
“You gonna get your work, but it's going to be a little bit easier on your body to be fresher for the games.”
— Jesse Minter, Ravens Head Coach
What’s next
The Ravens will look to implement a more player-friendly practice schedule under new head coach Jesse Minter in the 2026 season, with the goal of keeping the team healthier and avoiding the injury issues that plagued them in recent years.
The takeaway
Zay Flowers' comments shine a light on a potential root cause of the Ravens' injury troubles, highlighting how John Harbaugh's demanding practice regimen may have contributed to the problem. The team is hoping new head coach Jesse Minter can strike a better balance to keep players fresh and reduce the number of injuries going forward.
