Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters Monday that there’s a chance tight end Mark Andrews could return from what was thought to be a season-ending ankle injury he suffered against the Bengals on Thursday.
“There might be an outside chance he can get back at some point in time,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll just have to see how that goes. I don’t wanna say that’s definitive by any stretch, but there is some optimism.”
Harbaugh said both the team’s trainer and doctor said the injury isn’t as bad as feared immediately after the game.
“It’s a little cleaner than they thought based on the MRI,” he said.
"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."
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 20, 2023
Coach Harbaugh on TE Mark Andrews: pic.twitter.com/ODzvBQ5GfC
Andrews suffered the injury via a hip-drop tackle by Cincinnati linebacker Logan Wilson in the first quarter. Harbaugh went on to question the need for the controversial tackle before telling reporters Andrews was likely done for the year.
Mark Andrews was down and in a lot of pain after this play.
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) November 17, 2023
He limped off the field with trainers.
pic.twitter.com/S7XuXhd8Sl
It was later reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that Andrews cracked his fibula and suffered additional ligament damage to his ankle. The insider also reported it would be a long-term injury.
Baltimore (8–3) currently sits atop the AFC North and will benefit greatly if Andrews is able to return for the playoffs. The three-time Pro Bowler leads the team in touchdown catches (six) and ranks second in receiving yards (544) and receptions (45).
