OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews was activated from injured reserve on Friday, according to a source, providing a big boost to the AFC's No. 1 seed heading into the NBA Game. Sunday's AFC Championship.
Andrews has been sidelined since injuring his left ankle during a 34-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 16. He has been practicing for two weeks and has participated fully all week.
Since being selected in the third round of the 2018 draft, Andrews has been Lamar Jackson's favorite target. Over the past five seasons, Andrews has been one of the most prolific tight ends in the league, ranking in the top three with 347 receptions (second among tight ends), 4,305 receiving yards (third) and 37 touchdown receptions (second) .
Earlier this week, Jackson described Andrews as his “bread and butter” and said it would “mean a lot” if Andrews could return to play on Sunday.
The Ravens initially thought after that Nov. 16 game that Andrews had suffered a season-ending injury, but later gave him “a long shot” to return for the playoffs. To speed his recovery, Andrews brought a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to his home.
Without Andrews, backup tight end Isaiah Likely has helped fill the void in the passing game. In seven games since Andrews was sidelined, Likely has led the Ravens with 356 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions.
