Mark Andrews’ night against the Cincinnati Bengals ended early, as the tight end suffered a major injury at the start of the game. One of the highest-paid tight ends in the league was the biggest talking point after the highly anticipated clash at the M&T Bank Stadium.
Andrews was tackled by the Bengals’ linebacker Logan Wilson in the first drive of the clash. The Baltimore Ravens’ technical team was hopeful at first when Andrews walked off on his own but ruled him out of the game after a medical examination in the X-ray room.
The Ravens walked away with a win after holding the Cincinnati Bengals to only three points in the second half. However, the night ended on a bitter note for the Baltimore side, as Lamar Jackson and Odell Beckham Jr. also suffered injuries in the game.
This Logan Wilson “hip drop” tackle officially ended Mark Andrews’ season. #Ravens pic.twitter.com/8zkvJChiM7
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltimoree) November 17, 2023
Andrews has been the biggest offensive asset for the Ravens this season. He has registered 45 receptions and 544 receiving yards in 10 games this season. These performances are the reason why the Ravens are paying the big bucks to Andrews. The tight end recently signed a four-year contract with the Ravens for $56 million, making him one of the highest earners in the league in his position.
John Harbaugh comments on Mark Andrews’ injury
John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, was in the spotlight for the injury update on Andrews. The head coach’s update dampened the mood of all the Ravens fans around the world. He commented: “Unfortunately, on the negative side, Mark Andrews has a very serious ankle injury. It looks Iike a season-ending injury. So our prayers will be with Mark”.
The injury can prove to be a big setback for Baltimore’s playoff charge. Andrews’ is set to have an MRI to assess the full picture of the damage. The chemistry between Andrews and Lamar Jackson has often been a decisive factor for the Ravens this season. However, both players are out with injuries, which poses a big concern for Harbaugh going forward.
John Harbaugh: “Unfortunately on the negative side, Mark Andrews has a very serious ankle injury. It looks Iike a season-ending injury. So our prayers will be with Mark.” https://t.co/B7BYMQHnYy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2023
In the last six years, Andrews has caught 287 passes from Lamar Jackson. Andrews has caught more than 123 passes from Jackson as compared to any other player. This statistic is strong evidence of the connection between Baltimore Ravens players.
Andrews’ injury was a result of a “hip drop” tackle by Logan Wilson. The tackling technique has been under the spotlight since last season’s playoffs when the same technique resulted in Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ high ankle sprain.
There was some chatter at the start of the season regarding banning the technique, but no concrete action was taken. Harbaugh also commented on the tackling technique: “It was definitely a hip-drop tackle, and it is being discussed. It’s a tough tackle. Was it even necessary in that situation“?
Looking forward, the Ravens are set to host the Los Angeles Chargers on November 26. The Baltimore side will cross their fingers for the availability of Lamar Jackson and Odell Beckham Jr. for their upcoming matches. The Ravens are currently dominating the AFC North division with eight wins in the season.