Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Report reveals Mark Andrews’ status for AFC divisional round

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 1/19/24

The Baltimore Ravens held out hope that tight end Mark Andrews might be able to return for their playoff opener, but they will have to wait at least one more week.

The Ravens will not activate Andrews from injured reserve ahead of Saturday’s AFC divisional game against Houston, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Andrews is still in the final stages of his recovery from an ankle injury, and the team appears to be hopeful that he may be able to return if they advance to the AFC Championship Game.

Not yet: The #Ravens are not expected to activate star TE Mark Andrews from Injured Reserve to play against the #Texans, as he’s not quite ready to return from a significant ankle injury.

Perhaps next week, as a potential AFC Championship Game appearance was always the goal. pic.twitter.com/PRqnn2eIYz

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2024

The Ravens can't be too upset, as there was serious doubt that Andrews would be able to return at all this season. Their decision to designate him to return from injured reserve a week ago was a pleasant surprise.

Andrews remains a huge part of the Baltimore offense, as he caught six touchdowns before going down with his injury in Week 11. Getting him back at all for the playoffs would be a massive boost for a Ravens team that is already the favorite in the AFC.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: