Ravens Receive Vital Reinforcement with Mark Andrews’ Return for AFC Championship Clash
Ravens Bolstered by Star Tight End’s Activation from Injured Reserve
Baltimore, MD (January 26, 2024) – The Baltimore Ravens have received a major boost ahead of their highly anticipated AFC Championship matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, as star tight end Mark Andrews is expected to make his return to the field on Sunday. The news was confirmed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, providing a much-needed lift to the Ravens’ offense.
Andrews, widely regarded as one of the premier tight ends in the league, has been sidelined since Week 11 due to a broken fibula sustained during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The injury, a result of a controversial “hip drop” tackling technique, forced him to miss the Divisional Round victory over the Houston Texans.
However, Andrews’ return is a major development for the Ravens, who have struggled offensively in his absence. The 27-year-old tight end is quarterback Lamar Jackson’s preferred target and has been a key component of Baltimore’s success in recent seasons.
Prior to his injury, Andrews had accumulated 45 receptions for 544 yards and six touchdowns in just 11 games. Despite missing seven games, he still led the team in touchdown catches.
With Andrews back in the fold, the Ravens regain a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and create mismatches for opposing defenses. His presence will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to Jackson and the Ravens’ aerial attack.
Ravens’ Injury Report and Inactive Players
In addition to Andrews’ activation, the Ravens released their final injury report on Friday, providing an update on the status of other players.
Active Players:
- Mark Andrews (TE) – Activated from Injured Reserve
Inactive Players:
- QB Malik Cunningham
- WR Tylan Wallace
- CB Rock Ya-Sin
- LB Del’Shawn Phillips
- C Sam Mustipher
- G Sala Aumavae-Laulu
- QB Josh Johnson
Chiefs’ Inactive Players
The Kansas City Chiefs also released their list of inactive players for the AFC Championship game:
- WR Kadarius Toney
- CB Keith Taylor
- CB Ekow Boye-Doe
- LB Willie Gay
- DE B.J. Thompson
- G Joe Thuney
- DE Felix Anudkie-Uzomah
Isaiah Likely’s Impressive Performance
In Andrews’ absence, second-year tight end Isaiah Likely stepped up and delivered impressive performances for the Ravens. Likely caught five touchdowns in the final five games of the regular season, showcasing his potential as a reliable target for Jackson.
With Andrews returning to the lineup, Likely’s role may diminish, but he has proven to be a capable option who can contribute to the Ravens’ offensive success.
Conclusion
The return of Mark Andrews is a major boost for the Baltimore Ravens as they prepare for the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Andrews’ presence adds a dynamic playmaker to the Ravens’ offense and provides a much-needed boost to quarterback Lamar Jackson.
With Andrews back in the fold, the Ravens will be looking to exploit the Chiefs’ defense and secure a berth in Super Bowl LVIII. The matchup promises to be an exciting battle between two of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL.