The Ravens got good news just days before taking on the Chiefs in the AFC championship. Star tight end Mark Andrews was activated from Injured Reserve and is expected to play in Sunday’s game, the team confirmed Friday.
Now that he’s back, the three-time Pro Bowler could play a role in helping Baltimore achieve its first Super Bowl appearance since the 2012 season.
Here’s everything to know about the return of Andrews, how he’s fared this season, his track record in the playoffs and more:
Is Mark Andrews playing in the AFC championship?
Andrews (ankle) will play in the AFC championship game for the Ravens, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
It’s a significant development for the team, as Andrews was originally expected to miss the entirety of the season after he went down with an ankle injury in Week 11.
Andrews fractured his fibula and suffered ligament damage in his left ankle during a Nov. 16 game against the Bengals. Despite the injury, the Ravens went on to win that contest 34-20. With Andrews sidelined, tight end Isaiah Likely has emerged as one of Lamar Jackson’s favorite targets, reeling in 23 passes for 356 yards and six touchdowns over seven games.
Andrews has made quite the turnaround since Week 11. He turned in two full practices ahead of the divisional round, but was not activated for the team’s win over the Texans. Andrews practiced in full in the lead up to the AFC championship, leading to his activation.
“We thought there was a chance last week, however, the target was always the AFC title game. The Ravens just needed to do their part and get there,” Rapoport said.
“Andrews has been diligently, diligently recovering, doing his rehab, doing everything he can. Pushing, pushing ahead of schedule just to be on the field at full strength this week.”
Mark Andrews postseason stats
How Andrews performs will be something to keep an eye on. Andrews has been an important part of the Ravens’ offense for years, but has not found a ton of success in the postseason throughout his career.
He’s average four catches for 42.4 yards without a score over the course of five postseason appearances. Despite his postseason struggles, there’s no denying how helpful he’s been to quarterback Lamar Jackson through the air, though.
From The Insiders on #NFLPlus: #Ravens TE Mark Andrews is officially back. pic.twitter.com/rtWJZ8Se7r
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 26, 2024
Andrews caught 45 receptions for 544 yards and 6 touchdowns over 10 games during the 2023 regular season. He ranked second on the team in total receptions and first in touchdown catches.
Andrews will look to add to that total and keep his success rolling as the Ravens and the Chiefs kick off at 3 p.m. ET in M&T Bank Stadium.
