The Baltimore Ravens will be without arguably their top offensive weapon when they face the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional round Saturday.
There was optimism in Baltimore that former All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews would return after missing the last six games with an ankle injury. But Andrews is not quite ready, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Friday morning.
Baltimore is not expected to activate Andrews from injured-reserve ahead of Saturday's tilt against Houston, according to Rapoport.
Andrews also missed the Sept. 10 season-opener against the Texans, which Baltimore won handily, 25-9. He was dealing with a quad injury at the time.
Not having Andrews, an All-Pro in 2021 and three-time Pro Bowler, is significant, especially considering the Texans' struggles defending tight ends. But second-year tight end Isaiah Likely has filled in admirably in Andrews' absence with 30 catches for 411 yards and five touchdowns on the season.