Vikings courting Jerome Simpson

Zay Flowers is not practicing Wednesday as the Ravens begin preparations to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.

After exploding with 150 yards and a touchdown in the first half in Indianapolis, Flowers was sidelined by a hamstring injury, which he also dealt with during training camp. On Monday, Head Coach Jesse Minter said Flowers is day to day.

Fellow wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane is not at practice after suffering a wrist injury. Cornerback T.J. Tampa (knee) and several veteran leaders were also not spotted at the start of practice.

Related Players: Mark Andrews, Elijah Sarratt, Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker

A Wednesday absence does not rule Flowers out, but the recurring hamstring issue makes Thursday’s participation especially important. With Lane also sidelined by a fractured wrist, Bateman and Andrews would become Baltimore’s most established receiving options if Flowers cannot play. Sarratt and Walker would have opportunities to avoid otherwise dormant player pages, but neither would immediately become a dependable fantasy starter.

While the team still has hope, the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice week began Wednesday without starting tight end Brock Bowers and conerback Darien Porter working on the practice field.

Before practice began, Las Vegas coach Klint Kubiak said neither Bowers nor Porter will practice. However, he said he is hopeful they could practice this week before Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Like he said Monday, Kubiak said both Bowers and Porter are “day-to-day.”

Related Players: Michael Mayer, Ian Thomas, Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, Jack Bech

Bowers still has two opportunities to return to practice, but fantasy managers should prepare an alternative. Mayer profiles as a viable TE1 streamer if Bowers misses another game after handling the starting role in Week 1. Bowers would carry additional workload uncertainty even if cleared.

Jalen McMillan was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice as he continues working back from a knee injury.

Related Players: Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, Ted Hurst, Tez Johnson, Cade Otton

McMillan appears on track to return, although another full practice Thursday would strengthen that expectation. His presence would likely push rookie Ted Hurst out of the three-receiver package and make both Hurst and Tez Johnson difficult to use. McMillan himself remains a bench option until his role becomes clearer.