Ravens HC blasts Bengals LB for causing possible season-ending injury to star TE
The story coming out of the Baltimore Ravens' 34-20 victory over the rival Cincinnati Bengals on "Thursday Night Football" will likely be the status of injured quarterback Joe Burrow. However, the Ravens didn't exit the contest unscathed.
All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews suffered a severe, possible season-ending ankle injury after being taken to the ground by Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson with a "hip drop" tackle. After the game, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh didn't sound pleased with the circumstances of Andrews' injury.
Harbaugh told reporters there was no disputing that Wilson had used the technique that some players have called for the NFL to outlaw from the game, adding, "Was it even necessary in that situation?"
On the play in question, Andrews had caught a pass near the 10-yard line of the Bengals before dashing toward the end zone, only to be cut off at the hips and dragged down awkwardly by Wilson. Andrews left the game with a noticeable limp and was seen afterward on crutches.
Harbaugh described Andrews' injury as "very serious."
"It looks like a season-ending injury - so our prayers will be with Mark," Harbaugh said via the Ravens.
While they thrived without Andrews for the remainder of Thursday night's contest, embarking on the rest of the year without him creates a massive hole in the Ravens offense that simply can't be replaced. However, 2022 fourth-round pick Isaiah Likely will get the shot. The 23-year-old caught 36 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns during his rookie season. Likely has nine catches for 89 yards this season, but he was targeted only twice by QB Lamar Jackson after Andrews exited the game.
"Nobody cares more than Mark about the team and being there for the guys," Harbaugh said. "So, it's going to be hard for him, but we're going to be there with him all the way."
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