The Baltimore Ravens escaped Buffalo with a win over the Bills and might have escaped with much more. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews left in the first half with what was later called a knee injury and didn’t return to the lineup.
After the game, coach John Harbaugh noted Andrews’ injury wasn’t very serious, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. With a quick turnaround in Week 15 to play the New York Jets in just four days, there could still be some concern about Andrews being able to suit up for next week. However, Harbaugh said Andrews told him he’d play on Thursday night.
Though Andrews missed much of the game due to the injury, he was still targeted three times (tied for second most on the team) and caught one pass for 14 yards. His two other targets were just off his fingertips, including one in the end zone that would have been a touchdown. The weather clearly affected Baltimore’s passing attack in Week 14 with high wind gusts blowing the ball around but Andrews’ absence was also felt, especially on third downs (27% conversion rate) and down the stretch when they usually pull out to an insurmountable lead.
Andrews has been the driving force of Baltimore’s passing attack. Andrews leads the team in receptions (54), receiving yards (707) and receiving touchdowns (7). While missing a game or two wouldn’t be the end of the world with the 5-8 Jets and 6-7 Cleveland Browns up next, and a playoff spot already clinched; missing much more than that could put a damper on the Ravens’ offensive juggernaut.
We’ll see where Andrews places on this week’s injury report as a better indication of his status for Week 15.
