Lamar Jackson may welcome back a top target for the AFC Championship Game.
Mark Andrews hasn’t played since injuring his calf two months ago. However, the star Baltimore Ravens tight end is trending toward returning this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jackson was excited about the possibility when speaking to reporters Wednesday.
“It would mean a lot,” Jackson said of Andrews returning. “That’s my, like I said, bread and butter. Big bro. It would definitely mean a lot.”
“That’s my bread and butter.” @Lj_era8 on if @Mandrews_81 can go: pic.twitter.com/80pyPSi9L9
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 24, 2024
The quarterback noted that several players, including 23-year-old tight end Isiah Likely, have “stepped up” in Baltimore’s last seven games without Andrews. Likely has scored six touchdowns in the All-Pro’s absence.
Andrews led Baltimore in receiving each of the previous two years before 2023. Despite playing just 10 games, he still tallied the team’s second-most catches (45) behind rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers.
Even with Andrews sidelined, Baltimore’s passing offense has improved under first-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Jackson has set career highs in passing yards (3,678), completion percentage (67.8), and yards per attempt (8.0) this season.
The Ravens have remained a force without Andrews, but the 28-year-old could certainly help their chances of taking down the defending Super Bowl champions. Barring a setback, he’s expected to return.
Baltimore will get a more definitive read of Andrews’ progress in the days leading up to Sunday’s AFC Championship Game, which starts at 3 p.m. ET on CBS.