OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens tight finish Mark Andrews returned to the observe area 16 days after an “extraordinarily scary” automobile accident and declared himself able to play within the Sept. 5 season opener in opposition to the two-time defending Tremendous Bowl champion Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
“I really feel actually good,” Andrews mentioned after Friday’s observe. “I am excited. I am excited for this sport. It is a huge sport.”
The accident involving Andrews occurred on Aug. 14 whereas he was driving to the Ravens’ staff facility for coaching camp. In accordance with Baltimore County police, two autos sustained heavy injury within the accident.
Editor’s Picks
Andrews mentioned he stunned these within the Ravens’ facility when he attended a staff assembly about an hour after the accident.
“It was positively a critical factor, and for me, it places issues in perspective of inform the individuals that you simply’re round that you simply love them and put on your seatbelt,” Andrews mentioned. “You by no means know what is going on to occur on the highway. You by no means know what issues is likely to be thrown at you, what issues would possibly come at you. I am very blessed and lucky.”
Andrews did not go into particulars concerning the accident, saying, “There’s nonetheless stuff occurring with insurance coverage.”
Every week in the past, Ravens coach John Harbaugh mentioned Andrews was coping with a “very minor factor” that stored him out of shape after the accident. On Friday, Andrews acknowledged that his missed observe time was not the results of any harm suffered within the accident.
“I really feel good,” Andrews mentioned. “I am prepared to maneuver ahead from all the pieces that occurred. And yeah, my physique feels nice.”
Andrews, 28, is considered one of three Ravens gamers who’ve been concerned in automobile accidents this summer time. The others have been outdoors linebacker Kyle Van Noy and inside linebacker Josh Ross.
A 3-time Professional Bowl participant, Andrews ranks within the high three in franchise historical past in receptions (381), receiving yards (4,857) and landing catches (40). He wants two landing receptions to surpass Todd Heap for probably the most in Ravens historical past.
“I’ve all the time had that mindset of being resilient shifting ahead and you’ll’t take issues as a right,” Andrews mentioned. “And I believe for me, that [car accident] positively confirmed me that.”