Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely faced an unfortunate setback when he sustained a small fracture in his foot towards the end of Tuesday’s practice. While the injury is concerning, reports suggest that if all goes well with his recovery, there’s hope for a return early in the season, with a possibility that he could be ready for the season opener against the Buffalo Bills on September 7.
The injury occurred during a routine one-on-one drill against safety Sanoussi Kane, where Likely went down with a non-contact injury on the last play. After being carted off the field, he was seen limping into the locker room, a sight that brought a mix of concern and anticipation for Ravens fans.
At just 25 years old, Likely is entering the critical final year of his rookie contract, scheduled to earn $3.4 million this season. Drafted in the fourth round in 2022, he had a breakout year last season, posting career highs with 42 receptions for 477 yards and six touchdowns. His contributions were a vital part of the Ravens’ offensive scheme, complementing their star tight end, Mark Andrews.
Speaking of Andrews, the Ravens boast one of the most formidable tight end groups in the league, featuring Likely, Andrews, and Charlie Kolar. Interestingly, all three are set to hit free agency after this season, which adds a layer of intrigue to their futures with the team. Should Likely need to miss extended time, Kolar—whose skills lean more towards blocking—would likely step up in a bigger role. Last season, Kolar had nine catches for 131 yards and one touchdown, demonstrating his potential to contribute.
An impressive stat worth noting: last season, Likely and Andrews combined for 17 touchdown catches, the highest for any tight end duo in the NFL. Andrews led the way with 11 touchdowns, while Likely added six to the mix, proving just how dynamic this tight end tandem can be for the Ravens offense.
As the Ravens navigate this early season challenge, all eyes will be on Likely’s recovery and how his absence—or presence—could shape the offense. The upcoming weeks are crucial not only for his return but for the team’s overall offensive strategy as they prepare to make a deep postseason push. Fans will be hoping for a swift recovery as the season quickly approaches.
