OWINGS MILLS — Ravens coach John Harbaugh expressed optimism that tight end Mark Andrews and cornerback Marlon Humphrey could be available for the AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
Andrews suffered a fractured fibula and ligament damage in his left ankle against Cincinnati on a controversial hip-drop tackle by Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson on November 16th. Despite missing six games because of the injury, Andrews still ranked second on the team with 45 receptions for 544 yards and six touchdowns, best among the receivers.
He returned to practice last week as a full participant, but he was not ready to be activated for the divisional playoff game against the Texans on Saturday.
“We’ll just see how [Andrews] goes,” Harbaugh said on Monday. “We’re looking forward to it. He practiced last week, and I’m sure he’ll practice again this week. If he’s ready to play, he’ll play.”
Humphrey injured his back in the first quarter of the December 31st game against the Miami Dolphins. He hasn’t practiced or played since suffering the injury.
His status could change this week.
“I promise you – if Marlon can go, he will. If he can practice, he will,” Harbaugh said. “I think you will see it as the week goes on. Based on how much he practices, you’ll probably get a pretty good feel for it. I’m pretty sure if he can be out there, he’ll for sure be out there, so I’m very hopeful. We’ll have to see what happens.”
Harbaugh credited the team’s other cornerbacks — Ronald Darby, Arthur Maulet, Rock Ya-Sin and Brandon Stephens — for playing well in Humphrey’s absence.
The Ravens’ defense held the Texans scoreless on Saturday in Baltimore’s 34-10 victory. Houston’s only touchdown came on a 67-yard punt return by Steven Sims in the second quarter. The game was tied at the half, 10-10.
“Ronald Darby has played outstanding. Brandon Stephens has been outstanding. Arthur Maulet has played outstanding. Rock [Ya-Sin] has played outstanding,” Harbaugh said. “All of those guys have stepped up and played very good. The coverage has just been great.”
