Baltimore Ravens excited as tight end Mark Andrews returns to practice
OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews was spotted back on the practice field Friday for the first time since he suffered an ankle injury during the team's Week 11 win against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Two months ago, Andrews suffered a severe injury to his left ankle. At the time, it was declared that his season was over. The prognosis improved over time, and on Friday he was cleared to practice with his teammates.
Number 89 did not anticipate catching passes in Owings Mills when he went down with an ankle injury on Nov. 16 and needed surgery.
Head coach John Harbaugh said any determination about Andrews being ready for the Ravens' first playoff game will come next week.
WJZ's Sports Director Mark Viviano was in the Ravens locker room on Friday talking to Andrews and his teammates about his return to the game.
Fullback Pat Ricard said Andrews was looking good during practice. Seeing him in the mix was "definitely a boost of morale" for the team, Ricard said.
"I am glad he was able to get from that surgery and all that stuff healthy—and to be on two feet and run around," Running Back Justice Hill said. "That's a blessing, you know. That's not guaranteed."
Tight end Isaiah Likely said Andrews' presence put a smile on the faces of his teammates.
"You definitely have one of your best players back. I mean, obviously from an offense perspective but the whole team-wise," Likely said. "You getting one of your leaders back and getting an all-pro guy Mark back. It's definitely a heads up."
