Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely will be sidelined for approximately six weeks after sustaining a small fracture in his foot that will require surgical repair, head coach John Harbaugh confirmed on Wednesday. The announcement marked a difficult setback for both Likely and the Ravens as the team intensifies preparations for the upcoming NFL season. The injury, while not catastrophic, arrives at a particularly inconvenient time, as Likely was poised to assume a more prominent role in the Ravens’ offensive scheme following an encouraging second-year campaign. Likely, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Coastal Carolina, had emerged as a valuable complement to Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews and was expected to continue building on his momentum as the team looked to diversify its offensive threats under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
The six-week timeline provided by Harbaugh suggests that the Ravens hope to have Likely available early in the regular season, perhaps even by Week 2 or 3, depending on his recovery and rehabilitation schedule. However, the nature of foot injuries in skill-position players always carries some degree of unpredictability, especially for tight ends who rely heavily on explosive cuts, lateral movement, and blocking leverage. Surgical repair is often the preferred course of action for fractures of this nature to ensure long-term stability, but it also introduces an element of uncertainty when it comes to how well a player can return to pre-injury form within a compressed timeframe. Ravens medical staff and trainers will undoubtedly take a cautious yet strategic approach to Likely’s rehabilitation process, balancing the urgency of getting him back into game action with the long-term interests of his health and career longevity.
For Baltimore, the injury puts additional pressure on the tight end depth chart and may force the team to reconsider how it structures its two-tight end sets during the early portion of the season. Mark Andrews, one of the most consistent and productive tight ends in the league, will naturally continue as the primary option. However, behind him, the Ravens may now need to rely more heavily on Charlie Kolar, another promising young tight end who was drafted in the same 2022 class as Likely. Kolar, a former standout at Iowa State, has shown glimpses of his potential but has yet to enjoy a full season of consistent usage due to injuries and the sheer depth at the position. His development will now take on heightened significance as the Ravens search for ways to replace Likely’s playmaking ability.
In 2023, Likely posted 30 receptions for 411 yards and five touchdowns, showing significant growth in his route-running, hands, and overall comfort within the Ravens’ offensive system. Perhaps more importantly, he demonstrated a strong rapport with quarterback Lamar Jackson, often serving as a reliable safety valve in key situations, particularly when defenses keyed in on Andrews or when receivers were unable to create separation downfield. Likely’s ability to exploit mismatches against linebackers and safeties made him a valuable asset in Monken’s evolving offensive scheme. His absence will require the Ravens to either elevate a practice squad player or potentially scan the waiver wire and free agency for a veteran presence who can bridge the gap until Likely returns.
The Ravens are no strangers to early-season injuries. Over the past several years, Baltimore has had to navigate multiple setbacks, from injuries to their running back corps in 2021 to absences in the secondary and offensive line last year. The resilience of the franchise has often been tested, but Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta have developed a reputation for contingency planning and depth-building. The team’s current 90-man offseason roster includes several developmental tight ends, but none with the game-readiness or athletic profile of Likely. It’s conceivable that Baltimore could take a look at free agent options such as Geoff Swaim, Anthony Firkser, or even re-visit past players with ties to the organization, depending on Likely’s recovery progress by the time final roster cuts are made.
Beyond roster implications, Likely’s injury also raises broader questions about how the Ravens will adjust their passing-game philosophy in the early weeks of the season. Baltimore has made concerted efforts over the last two offseasons to bolster its receiving corps, signing Odell Beckham Jr. last year and drafting Zay Flowers in the first round. This year, the focus has been on enhancing tempo, spacing, and pre-snap motion, hallmarks of Monken’s approach. With Likely sidelined, the Ravens might lean more heavily on three-wide receiver sets or utilize a fullback in certain formations to maintain balance. Either way, the play-calling will have to reflect the temporary absence of one of their more dynamic intermediate threats.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson has already expressed support for Likely and emphasized the importance of the team maintaining its focus and intensity during training camp. Jackson, who is coming off an MVP-caliber season, is entering a critical stage of his career in terms of playoff success and long-term legacy in Baltimore. Having a full complement of offensive weapons is ideal, but Jackson has repeatedly shown that he can elevate players around him, even when key contributors are sidelined. The chemistry between Jackson and Andrews will likely become even more pronounced during Likely’s absence, but it also offers an opportunity for other pass-catchers, like Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor, to assert themselves more consistently in the offense.
From a player development standpoint, the injury to Likely is undoubtedly a frustrating roadblock. He had spent the offseason working diligently to refine his body, improve his blocking technique, and develop even greater chemistry with Jackson. Teammates and coaches alike had spoken glowingly about his increased maturity, leadership qualities, and command of the playbook. There was a widespread belief within the Ravens organization that Likely was on the verge of a breakout season, one that could elevate him into the upper echelon of NFL tight ends. Now, the focus shifts to recovery, patience, and mental toughness—traits that will be essential as he navigates the next six weeks and beyond.
Injuries are an unfortunate but inevitable part of the NFL landscape, and how a team responds to adversity often says more about its prospects than its performance during ideal circumstances. For the Ravens, the loss of Likely, while not devastating, will be a litmus test for their depth and adaptability. The upcoming joint practices and preseason games will provide valuable data points for the coaching staff as they determine how best to proceed without one of their more explosive options in the passing game. It also places increased importance on the health and readiness of other key players, particularly at the tight end and receiver positions.
John Harbaugh, never one to wallow in setbacks, was quick to emphasize that Likely remains in good spirits and that the prognosis is optimistic. “Isaiah’s a tough kid. He’ll be back, and he’ll be stronger than ever,” Harbaugh told reporters. “These things happen in football. It’s about how you respond.” That mindset has long defined Harbaugh’s tenure in Baltimore, a period marked by resilience, next-man-up mentality, and a relentless commitment to preparation. Those qualities will now be tested once again as the Ravens move forward without one of their ascending stars.
The timing of the injury—just as training camp begins to intensify and roster battles heat up—adds a layer of urgency to the evaluations taking place in Owings Mills. Positional coaches will be keeping a close eye on how younger tight ends respond to increased reps and whether any undrafted rookies or fringe veterans can seize the opportunity to impress. The NFL is a league that thrives on unpredictability, and one player’s misfortune often becomes another’s breakthrough. In that sense, Likely’s injury, while disappointing, could catalyze unexpected developments within the Ravens’ tight end group.
For Isaiah Likely himself, the road ahead will involve more than just physical healing. The mental toll of being sidelined, especially during a season where expectations are high and opportunities abundant, can be equally challenging. But those who know Likely best believe he has the character, work ethic, and internal drive to come back stronger. If there’s a silver lining to the situation, it’s that the injury occurred early enough in the preseason calendar to allow for a return before the meat of the regular-season schedule. Should all go according to plan, Likely could be re-integrated into the lineup just as the Ravens hit their stride, potentially serving as a valuable mid-season boost.
Ultimately, while the Ravens must navigate the short-term complications of losing one of their most promising offensive weapons, the long-term outlook for both player and team remains intact. Isaiah Likely’s foot fracture is an obstacle, but not an insurmountable one. As he undergoes surgery and begins the rehabilitation process, the Ravens will look inward, reshuffle their offensive blueprint, and lean on the organizational depth that has become their hallmark. In doing so, they’ll be hoping that by the time Likely is ready to return, the team will still be firmly in the mix for a deep playoff run—and that he can contribute meaningfully when it matters most.
