For the past five years, Mark Andrews has been one of the best tight ends in football. He’s been the primary cog in the Baltimore Ravens’ passing attack. Unfortunately, Andrews sustained an ankle injury in Week 11 that required surgery. The good news is he’s nearing a return, but is this the week he gets back on the field?
Mark Andrews’ Playing Status Ahead of Houston Texans Game
In each of his first five professional seasons, Andrews never missed more than two games. This was the first year Andrews suffered an injury serious enough to keep him out for several weeks.
The Ravens placed Andrews on injured reserve (IR) following Week 11. He’s remained there ever since. It was reported at the time that Andrews was done for the regular season but had a chance to return depending on how far the Ravens advanced in the playoffs.
With the Ravens designating Andrews to return from IR and opening up his 21-day window, those reports became a reality. Barring a setback, Andrews will return during this postseason should the Ravens remain alive. The only question remaining is when.
In response to a question from long-time beat reporter Jamison Hensley, head coach John Harbaugh had this to say: “It’s been good to see, I know that. I don’t know if surprise is the right word. I probably didn’t have any expectations. [We were] just waiting to see when [Mark Andrews] was out there. This is his first week out there in that kind of way. It was encouraging.”
Andrews was able to get in multiple full practices in the week leading up to today’s game. However, on Saturday, the Ravens opted not to active Andrews from IR.
Although Andrews won’t play today, he does seem to be very close to returning. Should the Ravens defeat the Houston Texans, it would be a surprise if Andrews wasn’t back for the AFC Championship Game against either the Buffalo Bills or the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday.
Isaiah Likely Will Continue To Step Up in Andrews’ Stead
Since losing Andrews, the Ravens have relied on sophomore tight end Isaiah Likely. He’s averaged about a 75% snap share since that Week 11 game where Andrews was lost.
Between Weeks 12-17, Likely averaged 58.2 receiving yards per game. He also scored four touchdowns (and a fifth in Week 18).
MORE: Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart
Without Andrews for one more week, Lamar Jackson should continue to feature Likely as his second option in the passing game behind rookie WR Zay Flowers. Given the Texans’ struggles against the tight end, Likely could be in store for a strong outing as the Ravens look to advance to their first AFC Championship Game since their Super Bowl run 11 years ago.
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