The Baltimore Ravens open their 2025 campaign on a tough road test in Buffalo, but they’ll be missing one of their most explosive offensive weapons. Tight end Isaiah Likely has officially been ruled out for Week 1, stripping away a key target in what could determine early AFC playoff positioning.
What Injury Is Keeping Isaiah Likely Off the Field?
Likely has been battling a foot/ankle injury that surfaced late in training camp. After showing limited participation during joint practices, the Ravens confirmed his absence on Friday’s final injury report. ESPN reported that both Likely and fullback Patrick Ricard (calf) were ruled out, ending Ricard’s impressive streak of 51 consecutive games played.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Likely, who built significant momentum during the 2024 season as a reliable red-zone target alongside veteran Mark Andrews.
His most memorable moment came in January’s divisional round against these same Bills, when he caught a late touchdown that nearly changed the game’s outcome. Now his Week 1 absence highlights how quickly depth can become a critical issue at the tight end position.
Baltimore has chosen not to place Likely on injured reserve, suggesting the organization expects a relatively quick return. However, reports emphasize there’s no firm timeline established, and additional missed games remain possible depending on how his foot responds to ongoing treatment.
Ravens TE Isaiah Likely (foot) out for Week 1 vs. Bills. pic.twitter.com/6Z1MWeuGrC
— NFL (@NFL) September 5, 2025
Meanwhile, analysts have labeled Likely’s absence as the Ravens’ biggest Week 1 concern. The injury puts additional pressure on Andrews, who must now handle the complete tight end workload against a Bills defense designed to disrupt passing lanes.
Charlie Kolar is expected to see increased snaps in two-tight end formations, while Baltimore relies more heavily on their deep receiver group featuring Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and offseason addition DeAndre Hopkins.
Head coach John Harbaugh declined to provide a specific return date, but team sources have indicated optimism that Likely could return before October if his recovery progresses as hoped. For now, the Ravens are taking a week-to-week approach, managing both pain levels and progress rather than establishing rigid deadlines.
How Does Likely’s Absence Impact Sunday’s Showdown?
Losing Likely removes one of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s most trusted safety valves in what’s already a challenging road environment. The Ravens will need Andrews to carry a significantly heavier workload, while the offensive line must provide solid protection to give Jackson time to locate his receivers downfield.
Buffalo’s defense, which ended Baltimore’s playoff run eight months ago, now gains another advantage with Likely sidelined.
The kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, September 7, at 8:20 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium. The game will air nationally on NBC and stream live on Peacock.
The Ravens move forward without Likely for now, and while his injury isn’t expected to derail their season, his absence in Week 1 makes Baltimore’s margin for error against Buffalo considerably smaller.
