Ravens Receive Vital Reinforcement for AFC Championship Clash: Mark Andrews Set to Return

UPDATED (January 28, 2024):

All Ravens starters, including tight end Mark Andrews, have been declared active for Sunday’s AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The inactive players for Baltimore include quarterback Malik Cunningham, wide receiver Tylan Wallace, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips, center Sam Mustipher, guard Sala Aumavae-Laulu, and third-string quarterback Josh Johnson.

The Chiefs have also released their list of inactive players for the game, which includes wide receiver Kadarius Toney, cornerback Keith Taylor, cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe, linebacker Willie Gay, defensive end B.J. Thompson, guard Joe Thuney, and defensive end Felix Anudkie-Uzomah.

ORIGINAL STORY (January 26, 2024):

In a major boost for their AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Baltimore Ravens are set to welcome back star tight end Mark Andrews to the lineup on Sunday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Andrews, sidelined since Week 11 due to a broken fibula, was activated from the Injured Reserve list on Friday after practicing with the team for the past two weeks. Though he missed the Divisional Round victory over the Houston Texans, he has been cleared to play against the Chiefs in this pivotal matchup.

Andrews’ Impact on the Ravens’ Offense

Widely regarded as one of the league’s top tight ends, Andrews has established himself as quarterback Lamar Jackson’s most trusted target. Before his injury, he had accumulated 45 catches for 544 yards and six touchdowns, leading the team in receiving touchdowns despite missing seven games.

His return is a significant boost for the Ravens’ offense, which has relied heavily on second-year tight end Isaiah Likely in Andrews’ absence. Likely has stepped up admirably, catching five touchdowns in the final five games of the regular season, but Andrews’ experience and chemistry with Jackson cannot be understated.

Andrews’ Recovery from Injury

Andrews suffered a broken fibula in a Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals when he was tackled awkwardly using the controversial “hip drop” tackling technique. The injury initially raised concerns about his availability for the playoffs, but he has made a remarkable recovery and is now ready to contribute to the Ravens’ championship aspirations.

Ravens’ Playoff Hopes Bolstered by Andrews’ Return

The Ravens enter the AFC Championship game with a 13-4 record, having secured the top seed in the AFC. They will face a formidable opponent in the Kansas City Chiefs, who are led by reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes.

The return of Andrews provides a significant boost to the Ravens’ chances of reaching the Super Bowl. His presence on the field will not only give Jackson a reliable target but also open up opportunities for other receivers and running backs in the offense.

Conclusion

With the expected return of star tight end Mark Andrews for the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Baltimore Ravens have received a major boost. Andrews’ presence will bolster the Ravens’ offense and give them a better chance of securing a victory and advancing to the Super Bowl.

Don’t miss the Ravens take on the Chiefs in a thrilling AFC Championship showdown this Sunday! Tune in to CBS at 3:05 PM EST to witness the action unfold.