In a crucial divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans, the availability of Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews hangs in the balance. Andrews, who suffered a significant ankle injury in mid-November, has shown positive progress this week but remains questionable for Saturday's matchup.

The Ravens' head coach, John Harbaugh, stated that Andrews' status is still uncertain. Despite being a full participant in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, Andrews will need to be activated off injured reserve by Friday if he is to take the field.

Expressing his determination to help his team, Andrews mentioned that he would only play if he feels that he can make a meaningful contribution. He added that if he falls short of being fully ready, he will let his teammates step in, with a hope to return in the following week.

However, news is not as optimistic for cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who has been ruled out due to a calf injury. This leaves the Ravens with Brandon Stephens and Ronald Darby as the likely starting cornerbacks to face C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, and the Texans' formidable passing attack.

Darby, who has started in seven games this season, has been praised by Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald for his consistency. With Humphrey missing his eighth game, Darby will have an opportunity to showcase his skills on the field.

On the defensive front, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney returns from an illness that kept him out of practice on Wednesday and is set to play against the Texans. Meanwhile, wide receiver Zay Flowers, outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, and linebacker Malik Harrison have all returned to full practice and are expected to be active for the game.

Running back Dalvin Cook has been moved up to the 53-man roster and will undoubtedly contribute to the Ravens' offensive efforts on Saturday. The workload for Cook remains uncertain, as he stated that he has no expectations regarding his playing time.

Unfortunately, linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips and wide receiver Tylan Wallace have not practiced this week. Wallace has been ruled out due to a knee injury, while Phillips remains questionable with a shoulder ailment.

With Wallace's absence, wide receiver and returner Devin Duvernay will be activated off injured reserve and is set to play, as confirmed by Coach Harbaugh. The Ravens have two remaining spots on the 53-man roster, which will be filled by Duvernay and potentially Andrews if he is ready in time. These roster moves must be completed by 4 p.m. tomorrow.

On the Texans' side, multiple defensive starters are dealing with injuries. Defensive ends Jonathan Greenard and Will Anderson Jr., who have combined for 19.5 sacks this season, returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out the previous day. They are both expected to play without any injury designations.

Joining them in practice was defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, who will also be available for the game despite nursing rib and shoulder issues. The only Texans defender who will not suit up is defensive end Jerry Hughes, who has not participated in practice all week due to an ankle injury.

In addition, fullback Andrew Beck returned to practice in a limited capacity with a back injury and is questionable for the matchup. Backup right tackle George Fant is also questionable with an illness.

As game day approaches, the Ravens and the Texans are finalizing their rosters and making strategic decisions to ensure the best possible performance in this highly anticipated playoff clash.