JUST NOW: Ravens coach John Harbaugh expresses optimism about All-Pro Mark Andrews

December 29, 2023 Adminsmartsport2 Other Clubs 0

On Wednesday, December 27, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh provided some encouraging news about All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews.

Speaking to the media, Harbaugh stated, “I’ve heard of no setbacks, and I believe he’s on schedule as far as I know.” “Perhaps a little ahead of schedule.”

Andrews suffered a significant ankle and leg injury in Week 11 after a hip-drop tackle by Cincinnati Bengals LB Logan Wilson. The tight end was placed on injured reserve by the Ravens on November 25, but he could return during the playoffs.

Andrews is a three-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro tight end. He was also quarterback Lamar Jackson’s favorite target during their careers.

The Ravens would love to have him back in the starting lineup, but they must advance far enough. “It’s our job to get there.” “It’s our job to get to the point where we’re still playing when he returns,” Harbaugh explained.

Andrews’ ability on the field is merely one aspect of the value he would bring back. For a Super Bowl run, his leadership and respect from his teammates are incalculable.

Without Mark Andrews, the Ravens’ tight ends have stepped up.
When Andrews went down during the win against the Bengals, there was anxiety about how Baltimore would fill his shoes at the position. Rumors of acquiring veteran Zach Ertz circulated, but the Ravens elected to go with their in-house options.

With the opportunity to take over the starting role, Isaiah Likely has excelled, while Charlie Kolar has delivered some critical catchups as the backup.

Likely has 17 catches, 249 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in four games since Andrews’ injury. The second-year athlete is only 35 yards away from matching his rookie year output.

Likely has played in 44% of the Ravens’ snaps this season, including a spectacular reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars that was worthy of a highlight reel.

Since Andrews’ injury, the Ravens have gone 4-0, including victories over the Jaguars and the San Francisco 49ers.

Without his favorite receiver, Jackson has stepped up and effortlessly inserted Likely into the offense. In Andrews’ absence, wide receivers Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. have stepped up.

While the return of Andrews would be beneficial to the club, Likely and the rest of the receiving corps are playing inspired game and will be a headache for opposing defenders to deal with.

Zay Flowers, Ravens wide receiver, is missing practice yet again.
Flowers skipped practice again on Thursday, December 28, putting his Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins in doubt. Flowers hasn’t practiced this week because of a calf ailment.

Flowers leads the team with 74 catches and 752 yards, so having him miss a game for the No. 1 seed would be unfortunate. According to NFL analyst Adam Schefter, the Dolphins will be without a great wide receiver in Jaylen Waddle.

On the plus side, safety Kyle Hamilton returned to practice on Thursday, December 28, as a limited participant after being classified as not practicing on Wednesday, December 27.

Hamilton was selected AFC Defensive Player of the Week while recovering from a knee injury suffered against the 49ers.

With Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill on the field, the Ravens may need to employ the star safety on defense.

Additionally, offensive tackle Kevin Zeitler returned to practice in a limited capacity, giving Ravens coaches and fans some respite. Zeitler has been one of the more reliable members of the offensive line, so QB Jackson will be glad to see him.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*