The Baltimore Ravens provided a major boost to their hopes of topping the AFC North with Thursday’s 34-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but their victory was marred by tight end Mark Andrews suffering a potential season-ending injury.
The Ravens bounced back from their walk-off defeat to the Cleveland Browns in impressive fashion by cruising past another divisional rival at home in Week 11, but their triumph came at a cost.
Andrews was injured on the opening drive, going down under a controversial hip-drop tackle by Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson, who brought his body weight down on the back of Andrews’ ankle.
While some have said the NFL should ban such tackles due to an increased risk of injury, Wilson has previously hit out at suggestions the technique should be outlawed.
Asked about Andrews’ condition after the win, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said: “Mark Andrews has a very serious ankle injury. I think it’s a form of a high ankle [injury] but more than just a sprain.
“It was definitely a hip-drop tackle, and it is being discussed. It’s a tough tackle. Was it even necessary in that situation?”
Bengals coach Zac Taylor refused to comment on whether Wilson was endangering other players by using the technique, saying: “I don’t know anything about that.”
Dubs in The Bank!!! pic.twitter.com/4FKaCBKlD1
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 17, 2023
Baltimore were more fortunate when quarterback Lamar Jackson went down under another Wilson tackle on their third possession of the game, with the MVP candidate slow to get back to his feet before heading into the medical tent for evaluation.
However, he was able to continue and finished with 264 passing yards, throwing for two touchdowns and no interceptions, as well as 54 rushing yards.
Though Jackson’s movement appeared slightly limited after the hit to his ankle, he downplayed fears over his condition while on post-game media duty, saying: “I’m good, we need to stop talking about this ankle.”
Asked how the Ravens would cope without Andrews, Jackson said: “I believe it’s going to be a huge challenge, but we have [tight ends] Charlie [Kolar] and [Isaiah] Likely.
“Those guys are going to step up. We’re going to build chemistry.”
Andrews’ six touchdowns led all tight ends through the first 10 weeks of the season, and he is only one score away from tying Todd Heap for the most touchdown catches in Baltimore history (41).
Thursday’s victory saw the Ravens improve to 8-3 ahead of Sunday’s huge matchup between their fellow AFC North contenders Cleveland and the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are both 6-3 ahead of that meeting.
“I’m feeling good… I’ll be good for Chargers.” @Lj_era8 pic.twitter.com/AVwRNjRzno
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 17, 2023
