Ravens TE Mark Andrews designated to return from IR; returns to practice

The Baltimore Ravens may be getting a massive piece of their offense back ahead of the playoffs as tight end Mark Andrews returned to practice for the first time since Week 11 after being designated to return from injured reserve.

Mandrewzzzzz alert pic.twitter.com/PG9K7VrgHg

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 12, 2024

The Ravens have been without Andrews since he exited the Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on the team’s first drive with a later reported cracked fibula. The injury came on a now controversial hip-drop tackle from Bengals inside linebacker Logan Wilson.

The loss of Andrews did not tank the passing game like it may have in previous seasons, as the new-and-improved group of wide receivers alongside second-year tight end Isaiah Likely stepped up for quarterback Lamar Jackson. Instead of struggling without the Pro Bowl tight end on the field, Baltimore’s offense had its best month of the season in December, scoring over 30 points against three playoff teams.

Likely, in particular, has become a focal playmaker in the passing attack during the six games without Andrews. The Ravens will need to find a way to deploy both tight ends effectively if Andrews returns to the field during the playoffs.

Baltimore has a first-round bye this week before their first playoff game in the divisional round. Even if Andrews cannot play next week, his return to practice bodes well for a potential return in the AFC Championship or Super Bowl if the Ravens can make it that far into the postseason.