Ravens tight end Mark Andrews returned to practice Friday for the first time since being involved in a car crash on Aug. 14.
Afterward, he spoke to reporters for the first time since the crash, too, providing an update on how he's feeling a couple weeks removed from an event he described as "extremely scary."
"It was definitely a serious thing," Andrews told reporters. "For me, it puts things in perspective of tell the people that you're around that you love that you love them, and wear your seatbelt. You never know what's gonna happen on the road. You never know what things might be thrown at you, what things might come at you. I'm very blessed and fortunate to, one, have God on my side, and to be wearing my seatbelt. Yeah, it was a scary moment, put things in perspective, but I'm feeling good. Excited about the season."
The collision had taken place on Andrew's way to training at Baltimore's Under Armour Performance Center, after which the team's medical staff evaluated Andrews, who didn't sustain any apparent injuries and partook in meetings that day.
Still, with a long season ahead, the situation necessitated Andrews take time coming back to the field.
When asked about specifics of any ailments, Andrews gave none.
"For me, I'm moving forward," Andrews said. "I feel really good. I'm excited. I'm excited for this game. It's a big game. The guys have been working hard. My body feels great.
As for what moving forward entails, Andrews and Co. are set to take on the two-time-reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs on Thursday in the 2024 NFL Kickoff Game. It's a rematch of the AFC Championship Game in which Kansas City knocked out the Ravens in a continued run of postseason dominance over them.
That was Andrews' first action back last season following a seven-game absence due to a broken leg.
He doesn't plan on letting the opponent lining up across from him take on any greater importance or serve as a revenge game of sorts, though. He'd rather take things step by step in achieving Baltimore's ultimate aim.
"I think for us, it's the first game of the year," Andrews said when asked about playing K.C. once again. "We're trying to work towards a goal and that's to be the best team in the NFL, and it starts with this weekend. We don't look too far into this thing. It's our first game. It is what it is. They're an incredible organization, an incredible team, and we've got to be ready for the fight."
