The Baltimore Ravens — who many believe are a front runner to get to the Super Bowl — just got positive unexpected news on one of their biggest offensive playmakers.
On Friday, star tight end Mark Andrews returned to practice eight weeks and one day after he suffered a major ankle injury on Nov. 16 against the Bengals. It was reported to be a cracked fibula, the result of a hip-drop tackle by Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson. Andrews has missed six games.
When Andrews first suffered the injury, Head Coach John Harbaugh said he had an “outside chance” of returning later this season. The Ravens kept the door open and one of their leaders and best players worked to walk through it.
“Mark is so darn tough. You say a guy eats, sleeps and breathes football; that’s Mark Andrews,” Harbaugh said on Dec. 4. “So, he’s going to do everything he can to get back down the road.”
Will Mark Andrews Return To Baltimore Ravens For Playoff Opener?
It remains to be seen if Andrews will be ready to play in the divisional playoff game against the Ravens undetermined opponent, but he’ll have a week of practice under his belt before a determination is made.
Even though he missed the final seven regular-season games, Andrews still leads the team with six receiving touchdowns. He has the second-most receptions (45) and third-most receiving yards (544).
Mark Andrews was hurt on the Ravens’ first offensive series against the Bengals. From that moment on, Baltimore won six straight games and Andrews’ replacement, Isaiah Likely, has become a major playmaker in Baltimore’s offense.
Since taking over as the starter, Likely has made 21 catches for 322 yards and scored five touchdowns in six games. Now the Ravens will have both in their arsenal, adding another dimension to the offensive attack.
For Lamar Jackson and company, Mark Andrews back on the field as the Ravens begin their playoff push can’t be overstated. While there’s still some uncertainty, this is a positive sign for sure.