According to sources in the NFL, a recent MRI scan revealed that Mark Andrews, the top -notch tight end for the Ravens, is suffering from a fractured fibula and damaged ligament in his lower left leg. Coach John Harbaugh of Baltimore hinted that Marc’s season could end prematurely due to these injuries, which came to light following the 34-20 trouncing of the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night.
Marc, who is 28 years old, is set to meet with Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the coming week to discuss his condition.
Andrews’ injury occurred during the first Baltimore offensive series of the game. He was felled on an awkward tackle by Logan Wilson at the Cincinnati 4-yard line. After being attended to on-field for a short duration, Andrews tentatively made his way towards the medical tent. Not long after, he was ruled unfit for further participation in the game by the medical team from the Ravens side.
Prior to bowing out of the contest due to his injury, Andrews managed to secure two passes for a total of 23 yards. The player, who is currently in his sixth professional season in the NFL, is a revered powerhouse on the field.
This is highlighted by his three-time selection for the Pro Bowl and the fact that he currently leads the Ravens in terms of receiving touchdowns this season, having already claimed six to his tally.
Andrews’ contribution to the Ravens this season has been notable, as he has maintained a commendable rate of performance. Over the course of 10 games, he has to his credit 45 catches amounting to a total of 544 yards.
Furthermore, his record stands at 40 career touchdown receptions, which is just one less compared to the all-time record set by Todd Heap, another tight end stalwart in the franchise’s history, over the span of 2001-2010.
Mark Andrews, formerly an athlete at Oklahoma, began his professional journey in the NFL after being selected in the third round of the 2018 draft. Covering 87 games in his career thus far, he has 381 receptions translating to 4,857 yards in total.
His undeniable excellence on the field has led to his inclusion in the Pro Bowl thrice in 2019, 2021, and 2022, and his selection as a first-team All-Pro in 2021 after making 107 catches for 1,361 yards and nine touchdowns.
Baltimore is now faced with the challenge of filling the void that Mark’s absence leaves behind. Isaiah Likely, the team’s fourth-round pick from 2022, might be given an increased load as part of the strategy. Isaiah has only nine catches to his name in the current season but he may now find himself receiving more attention on the field as Andrews’ stand-in.
The Ravens, who currently have a robust 8-3 win-loss record, are scheduled to lock horns with the Los Angeles Chargers during Week 12 of NFL action. They will be taking the following Week 13 as a designated break. Coach Harbaugh, while addressing the issue of Andrews’ replacement, emphasized that overcoming the hurdle would necessitate a collective effort from the team.
Harbaugh dwelled on the role of the Ravens’ receivers in meeting this challenge and stated confidently that they are fully prepared to step up. Recognizing the importance of Andrews’ role in the team, he realizes that replacing him would be no small feat. But the coach also firmly believes that team spirit and collaboration will see the Ravens rise to this challenge.