The Baltimore Ravens have had to do some soul-searching at tight end in 2026. Can Mark Andrews bounce back? Who replaces Isaiah Likely’s explosiveness? Who will provide the rugged reliability that Charlie Kolar offered?
Five weeks in, and none of those questions have found convincing answers, but Josh Cuevas might get his first real opportunity to fill one of those roles on Sunday.
With Matt Hibner missing the first two days of practice this week with a hand injury, the stars are aligning for Cuevas to see far more snaps. It could be the 23-year-old’s time to prove his worth, maybe even making a case for a consistent spot in the rotation.
Baltimore Ravens might need more from Josh Cuevas in Week 6
In last week’s win, Matt Hibner was carted off with a hand injury. Although he returned in the second half, it’s become a problem this week. Even if he returns to practice on Friday, it’s fair to wonder whether he’ll be ready for Sunday’s matchup with the Cleveland Browns, and in what capacity.
That may put Josh Cuevas in the spotlight. Hibner usually gets around 30 snaps per game; many of those could fall into Cuevas’ grasp. He hasn’t had ample opportunities in his NFL career, but if Hibner’s out, Cuevas needs to make the most of the potential time in the sun.
Cuevas has looked decent in limited chances this season. He only has 3 receptions for 40 yards; however, he was an underrated contributor in Week 5. The rookie fifth-rounder posted a career-high 2 receptions for 26 yards over 19 offensive snaps (also a career-high).
Most notably, Cuevas' competitiveness after the catch jumped off the screen. It wasn’t anything flashy, but on both catches, he turned upfield and fought through contact for extra yardage. He’ll morph into a young, tough, and trustworthy tight end if he continues to develop.
It feels like it’s time to stack back-to-back encouraging performances, too.
Not only may Cuevas be a need because of Hibner’s uncertainty, but Mark Andrews is also coming off the worst game of his career since the 2024 Divisional Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. And it was debatably worse.
In the team’s Sunday night showdown with the Atlanta Falcons, Andrews dropped a touchdown and a two-point conversion, and fumbled a ball that was returned for a touchdown. He’s also credited with 3 drops on the year, per Pro Football Focus. The veteran truly can’t escape those woes that have plagued him over the last few years.
I’m not saying Cuevas needs to cut into Andrews’ snaps in Week 6. Andrews remains the most reliable tight end, and coaches like Declan Doyle have expressed undying belief in him.
Declan Doyle talks about his faith in TE Mark Andrews:
— Samantha Croston (@SamCrostonTV) October 15, 2026
"Nobody's harder on him than himself," Doyle said of Andrews. "He's a big part of our offense, he's a big part of what we do, we trust him." pic.twitter.com/fOUvSHD1RK
Still, tight ends have always been a crucial piece of Lamar Jackson-led offenses. If Tyler Huntley starts again this week, a security blanket and short-yardage weapon like Cuevas becomes even more important, especially if Cleveland’s pass-rush is getting home. The Alabama product could be the hot receiver Huntley turns to when he’s on the field.
If Cuevas takes over the TE2 role in Week 6, don’t expect big numbers. He’s obviously behind Andrews on the depth chart, and wideouts like Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Tez Walker, and Ja’Kobi Lane will likely demand more targets.
Regardless, more reps and looks may be coming. It’s up to him to take advantage of what’s there for the taking.
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