Everything we know on Ravens TE Mark Andrew’s injury

By | Niranjan Bhargav 29 Nov, 2023

The tight end Mark Andrews, who hurt his ankle against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, underwent surgery and was put on injured reserve, the Baltimore Ravens said on Sunday.

Andrews will thus be out for a minimum of four games. After suffering a fractured fibula and damage to his ankle ligaments, the organization apparently anticipated for him to miss the rest of the season.

However, head coach John Harbaugh provided some encouraging news last week about the three-time Pro Bowler’s health.

During a Monday news conference, Harbaugh said,

“From what I’ve heard from our trainer and the medics, it wasn’t as awful as first thought. Things turned out better than they could have. It’s cleaner than they thought, according to the MRI.”

"Mark Andrews is easily Lamar's #1 target since being on the Ravens…the idea is if you play long enough, you can get him back [during the playoffs]" ?@gregauman in the latest episode ?: https://t.co/szpGO23Vsh pic.twitter.com/IgaV1wbo7p
— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) November 21, 2023

This update gives some optimism, even if there isn’t much information on the tight end returning this season.

Andrews’s return this season “might be an outside chance,” according to Harbaugh, particularly if the Ravens can make it farther in the postseason.

In his ten games this season, Mark Andrews has 45 catches for 544 yards and six receiving touchdowns. Before he was injured during the Ravens’ 38-20 victory against the Bengals in Week 11, he was second on the club in receptions and receiving yards, only surpassed by rookie wideout Zay Flowers.

"Mark Andrews is easily Lamar's #1 target since being on the Ravens…the idea is if you play long enough, you can get him back [during the playoffs]" ?@gregauman in the latest episode ?: https://t.co/szpGO23Vsh pic.twitter.com/IgaV1wbo7p
— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) November 21, 2023

Mark Andrews: What happened to him?

Mark Andrews suffered an ankle injury early in his team’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals as a result of a hip-drop hit from opposing linebacker Logan Wilson.

The league has seen controversy about this type of tackle because of the several high-profile injuries it has caused.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was also the victim of a hip-drop tackle during the previous season’s playoffs, raising the subject of whether or not similar plays should be prohibited.

Following the Week 11 game, John Harbaugh said during a news conference that Andrews’ injury was serious and seemed to be “a season-ending injury.” But he then clarified that the harm might have been better than it originally appeared.

"It wasn't as bad as initially feared after the game… We'll know more, we'll have to see how that goes. There is some optimism."

Coach Harbaugh on TE Mark Andrews: pic.twitter.com/ODzvBQ5GfC
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 20, 2023

The Ravens, who defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12, are now ahead of the AFC at 9-3 with five games left. Considering that the club is all but guaranteed a postseason place, Andrews may still play for them this season.