Is Mark Andrews Playing in Week 9? Should I Start Isaiah Likely in Fantasy Football?

Is Mark Andrews playing in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints? How long will Andrews be out with his shoulder injury? Should I start Isaiah Likely in fantasy football?

Mark Andrews went into last week's Thursday Night Football matchup with a knee injury. Andrews left the game early with a shoulder injury. Rookie Isaiah Likely masterfully filled in for Andrews, corraling six of seven targets for 77 yards and a touchdown.

Andrews did not practice Thursday and head coach John Harbaugh stated that the injury was not serious. With Baltimore playing on Monday night, Andrews' fantasy owners are in a difficult spot.

Is Mark Andrews playing in Week 9? Should I start Isaiah Likely in fantasy football this week?

Is Mark Andrews Playing in Week 9 of Fantasy Football?

John Harbaugh's quote about the severity of Mark Andrews' shoulder injury should be taken with a grain of salt. Harbaugh downplayed the extent of wide receiver Rashod Bateman's season-ending foot injury earlier this week.

Fantasy owners shouldn't panic over Andrews' absence from Thursday's practice. Baltimore still has at least two more practices for Andrews to participate in. It should be noted that the Ravens have a bye in Week 10, adding an incentive to sit the TE this week.

If Andrews fails to participate in practice by Saturday, there's a strong chance he will be out for Monday Night Football against the Saints. If Andrews participates even limitedly over the weekend, there's a solid possibility he suits up and resumes his typical role. Monitor his practice participation through the weekend.

Should I Start Isaiah Likely in Fantasy Football?

Isaiah Likely flashed his potential in last week's victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The rookie from Coastal Carolina led the Ravens in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in relief for Mark Andrews.

Week 8 marked the first time Likely played in more than 50% of Baltimore's offensive snaps. Andrews (rightfully) dominates the production coming from the Ravens' tight end room when he is fully healthy. If Andrews suits up this Monday, Likely should likely be left on your bench.

Likely was the second-highest-scoring tight end last week in fantasy football. He is a quality starting tight end in Week 9 if Andrews is not healthy in time for Monday's matchup with the Saints.

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