Ravens’ Mark Andrews ready to play after ‘scary’ car crash

OWINGS MILLS, Maryland – Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews returned to the practice field 16 days after an “extremely scary” car accident and agreed to play in the season opener against the two-time Super Bowl defending champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 5.

“I feel really good,” Andrews said after practice on Friday. “I’m excited. I’m looking forward to this game. It’s a big game.”

The accident involving Andrews occurred on August 14 as he was driving to the Ravens’ training camp. According to Baltimore County police, two vehicles were heavily damaged in the accident.

Andrews said he surprised people at the Ravens facility when he attended a team meeting about an hour after the accident.

“It was definitely a serious thing, and for me, telling the people around you that you love them and putting your seatbelt on puts things in perspective,” Andrews said. “You never know what’s going to happen down the road. You never know what’s going to happen to you, what’s coming your way. I’m very blessed and lucky.”

Andrews did not elaborate on the accident, saying: “There are still problems with the insurance.”

A week ago, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Andrews was dealing with a “very minor thing” that kept him from practicing after the accident. On Friday, Andrews acknowledged that his missed practice time was not due to an injury sustained in the accident.

“I feel good,” Andrews said. “I’m ready to put everything that’s happened behind me. And yes, my body feels great.”

Andrews, 28, is one of three Ravens players involved in car crashes this summer. The others were outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and inside linebacker Josh Ross.

Andrews, a three-time Pro Bowl player, ranks in the top three in franchise history in receptions (381), receiving yards (4,857) and touchdown catches (40). He needs two more touchdown receptions to surpass Todd Heap as the player with the most receptions in Ravens history.

“I’ve always had the attitude that you have to persevere and you can’t take anything for granted,” Andrews said. “And I think this (car crash) definitely showed me that.”