Baltimore Ravens TE Mark Andrews has been battling an injury the past few weeks. The early indication was that Andrews would be fine for Week 1, but as the days and weeks went on, additional worry has crept in.
One more tight end to monitor: #Ravens TE Mark Andrews is questionable for Sunday's game vs. the Texans with a quad injury,
WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) is good to go. pic.twitter.com/j1ilRwqPR1
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 8, 2023
Andrews is officially questionable with a quad injury, and his availability remains in doubt. Andrews is the go-to option in the passing game for Lamar Jackson. Jackson and Andrews have as much chemistry as any pairing in the league, so his absence would hurt the Ravens QB.
Update (Sept. 9 at 10:15 PM ET): NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Andrews, who is listed as questionable, is not likely to play vs. the Texans. For the latest injury updates, be sure to check out our NFL and Fantasy Player News Tracker.
What Impact Would a Mark Andrews Absence Have on the Ravens Offense?
Andrews is the most critical component of the Ravens offense not named Lamar Jackson. Jackson leans on the TE over the intermediate area, and Jackson has always tended to target the position.
New head coach Todd Monken has a history of freeing up TEs during his time as the offensive coordinator for Georgia. Monken featured Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington, so his scheme should fit nicely with the Ravens’ offensive personnel.
Ngl I’m up to resting Mark Andrews this Sunday & giving TE1 to Isaiah Likely🤷♂️
He’d be TE1 on most teams & we all know what he’s capable of. Not to mention Lamar is in a spread system now with reliable weapons.
Let Mandrews rest for another week. pic.twitter.com/ARhJtccwy6
— Lamar & Order: RPO (@moneymarlo44) September 8, 2023
If Andrews is absent, the Ravens will likely get backup TE Isaiah Likely more involved. The Ravens added offensive firepower this offseason by signing WR Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency and doubling down at the receiver position by drafting Zay Flowers in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Ravens also welcome back RB J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins was holding out for a new contract, which still hasn’t come. Dobbins is back and playing on Sunday. The Ravens’ cupboard of offensive weapons isn’t bare by any stretch of the imagination, but missing Andrews would be a big deal.
Keep an eye on the injury report between now and Sunday’s action. The injury does seem to be something the team has a legitimate short-term concern about. I wouldn’t expect Andrews to miss extensive time if he were to sit out on Sunday, but his odds currently are 50/50 to play in Week 1.
