The Baltimore Ravens will kick off their hyped 2023 season without the services of their All-Pro tight end, Mark Andrews, or that's how things are looking according to the latest reports emerging on Saturday night.
The breaking news, first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, shocked us all as the player and the coaches have talked positively about his recovery in time for the Week 1 game against the Texans.
#Ravens TE Mark Andrews, who has dealt with a quad injury for the last few weeks and is listed as questionable, is not likely to play vs the #Texans, per me and @TomPelissero. A bit of a surprise.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2023
Andrews has been sidelined with a nagging quad injury since the pregame warmup on the preseason matchup against the Washington Commanders in mid-August.
Although there is no official confirmation of Andrews' absence on Sunday made by the Ravens at the time of this writing, the injury's severity and the idea of trying to avoid potential setbacks might force the Ravens' coaching staff to make the final decision to keep Andrews out of action for the season opener.
In 2022, Mark Andrews was Lamar Jackson's no. 1 weapon, amassing 73 catches for 847 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games.
Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar are the two other tight ends on the Ravens' roster entering Week 1, and the ones expected to step up to the occasion if Andrews is indeed ruled out Sunday.
There is also the chance we get more Patrick Ricard than expected (and desired) if Todd Monken opts to use the fullback instead of throwing one of his young tight ends into the fire.
We will update this story if more information become available and/or an official confirmation is made by the Ravens organization.