Ravens HC John Harbaugh provides promising update on TE Mark Andrews

The Ravens (12-3) look like the best team in the NFL after their 33-19 beatdown on the 49ers in Week 16 and they could be adding even more firepower back into their lineup sooner than later.

Head coach John Harbaugh revealed that TE Mark Andrews, who last played in Week 11 when he suffered a cracked fibula and an ankle injury that required surgery, may be able to return sooner than expected.

"I've heard of no setbacks. I think he's on schedule as far as I've heard. Maybe a little ahead of schedule," Harbaugh told reporters. "I've seen him in there working and that he's in great spirits. We're hopeful."

Andrews still won't be able to return until the postseason. But luckily for Baltimore, it may just own the AFC's No. 1 seed by the end of the weekend. 

If the Ravens defeat the Dolphins (11-4) on Sunday, they will be the No. 1 seed and be able to rest their starters in Week 18 and the first round of the playoffs, setting up Andrews for an impressive return at the perfect time.

Second-year TE Isaiah Likely has filled in nicely during Andrews' absence, posting 17 catches for 249 yards and two touchdowns over the past four weeks. 

However, Andrews is still one of the best tight ends in the NFL and arguably Baltimore's best playmaker. The three-time Pro Bowler still leads the team in receiving touchdowns and is second in receiving yards (544) despite playing in just 10 games.

Harbaugh knows the team must do whatever it takes to stay alive to get him back.

"Our job is to get to that point. That's what we have to do is get to the point where we're still playing," Harbaugh added. "When he comes back, it's going to take everything we've got."

If anyone is set up to get healthy over the next couple of weeks and make a run to the Super Bowl, it's the Ravens, and Andrews could surely be the missing piece to hoisting the franchise's third Lombardi Trophy by season's end.