Tight end Mark Andrews wants to be healthy when he returns to the field, which might not be Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens kick off their regular season against the visiting Houston Texans.
Andrews missed six practices last week and was limited in the first two practices held by the Ravens this week, including Thursday’s session.
“I’m feeling better running around, just day by day, getting better and we’ll see what happens,” Andrews said.
Andrews led the team with 73 receptions, 847 yards and five TD catches in 2022 after posting massive numbers in 2021: 107-1,361-9.
The Ravens overhauled the entire offense. An emphasis was placed on firepower in the passing game. Baltimore signed quarterback Lamar Jackson to a five-year contract, landed free agents Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor and drafted wide receiver Zay Flowers in the first round to greatly expand the chess pieces available to new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
“I’m feeling good,” Andrews said. “I’ve obviously taken some time off and been slowly working back in. It’s been one of those things that’s been a little tricky. But I’m feeling better running around, just day by day getting better and we’ll see what happens.”
Beckham Jr. (ankle) was added to the injury report on Thursday. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman, dogged by injuries since he was drafted in the first round in 2021, deemed himself ready to roll for Week 1.
“It’s been a long time coming. It’s been a tough road,” Bateman said. “I think I’m in for a good year. We’ll see.”
Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar are the candidates to start if Andrews is a scratch.