If the Baltimore Ravens are going to advance to the AFC Championship this weekend, they’ll have to do it without All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Ravens are not expected to activate Andrews off injured reserve for this Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans.
The good news, however, is that Andrews could return next weekend. Of course, that means the Ravens can’t afford an upset loss to the Texans.
“Not yet: The #Ravens are not expected to activate star TE Mark Andrews from Injured Reserve to play against the #Texans, as he’s not quite ready to return from a significant ankle injury,” Rapoport said. “Perhaps next week, as a potential AFC Championship Game appearance was always the goal.
Not yet: The #Ravens are not expected to activate star TE Mark Andrews from Injured Reserve to play against the #Texans, as he’s not quite ready to return from a significant ankle injury.
Perhaps next week, as a potential AFC Championship Game appearance was always the goal. pic.twitter.com/PRqnn2eIYz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2024
This report from Rapoport isn’t a huge surprise. Andrews hinted that he might not be ready to roll until next weekend.
“Knowing how good this team is, how good our players are, how good our tight ends are, if I feel like I’m going to be helpful to the team, I’m going to go,” Andrews said. “If I feel like I’m close but not there, I’m going to let these guys go and hopefully get there next weekend.”
Andrews was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 25 with an ankle injury. Prior to going down this season, he hauled in 45 passes for 544 yards and six touchdowns.