In a shocking turn of events, Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews may not be sidelined for the rest of the season as initially feared.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh provided an unexpected update on Andrews’ injury during his press conference, giving fans a glimmer of hope for the three-time Pro Bowl tight end’s return.
Harbaugh stated, “There’s an outside chance that Mark [Andrews] could return at some point this season. My understanding is in talking with our trainer and the doctors is that it wasn’t as bad as initially feared right after the game. It’s a little cleaner than they thought based on the MRI.”
Ravens TE Mark Andrews has a chance to return this year as his injury is “cleaner” than the team originally believed, per HC Harbaugh.
Promising news. pic.twitter.com/oNzuuRJCLt
— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) November 20, 2023
The optimistic news comes just four days after Ravens officials believed Andrews had suffered a season-ending left ankle injury during Baltimore’s 34-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday.
Harbaugh explained that Andrews is currently in Charlotte, North Carolina, consulting with Dr. Robert Anderson. The team is expected to receive more information about Andrews’ condition later in the week when he returns.
“There might be an outside chance he could get back at some point in time,” Harbaugh added. “So we’ll just have to see how that goes though. And I don’t want to say that’s definitive by any stretch, but there is some optimism.”
When asked if the Ravens are considering Andrews’ return for the playoffs, Harbaugh remained cautious, saying, “I don’t even want to say right now. Once he gets back, maybe later from this week, that’s something we could mention and talk about because we would just know more.”
“Also, I’d probably have to lean into Mark on that too. What are his thoughts on it? So I don’t want to speak for Mark either, but I’m telling you this, there’s no bigger competitor. Nobody wants to be out there more than Mark Andrews,” he added.
The 28-year-old Pro Bowler is undoubtedly quarterback Lamar Jackson’s best and most-trusted weapon.
Since entering the league, Andrews has been one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL … Since 2019, Andrews ranks second only to Travis Kelce in receptions (347), receiving yards (4,305), and touchdown catches (37) by a tight end.
He is just one touchdown catch away from tying Todd Heap for the most touchdown receptions in franchise history (41).
Mark Andrews returning for the Baltimore Ravens’ play off run #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/8IRcqcaU8S
— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) November 20, 2023
The injury occurred during Baltimore’s opening drive on Thursday when Andrews was taken to the ground by a controversial “hip drop” tackle by Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson.
Harbaugh addressed concerns about such tackles, stating, “The decision on whether to take action on these types of tackles is in good hands with the competition committee.”
With Andrews sidelined, the Ravens are expected to rely more on backup tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar. Harbaugh also indicated that the team could explore more wide receiver packages in Andrews’ absence.
“Everything’s on the table, for sure,” Harbaugh said. “Mark is a superstar player. It’s impossible to replace him, per se. We have to replace him together as a group, and I really believe we can do it. And then when he gets back, we’ll just be that much stronger for it, whenever that is.”
Do you think Andrews will be able to make it back this season?
Can the Ravens win the Super Bowl without him???