Baltimore Ravens fans have been anxiously waiting to learn if their tight end Isaiah Likely will be ready to play Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.
The rising star has been working his way back from foot surgery after a training camp injury. While he is making steady progress his Week 1 status has been uncertain.
Recovery Timeline Makes Isaiah Likely A Question Mark for Season Opener in 2025
Ravens fans will be disappointed to hear that foot injury will keep him sidelined for the opener against the Buffalo Bills. Reports confirm the team is playing it safe, with optimism for an early-season return.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Likely is not anticipated to take the field for the Ravens’ season opener against the Bills.
Rapoport posted, “#Ravens TE Isaiah Likely, who is recovering nicely from a broken bone in his foot, is not expected to play in the team’s opener against the #Bills, sources say. Likely underwent surgery in late July and is healing as expected. He should be ready early in the season.”
#Ravens TE Isaiah Likely, who is recovering nicely from a broken bone in his foot, is not expected to play in the team’s opener against the #Bills, sources say.
Likely underwent surgery in late July and is healing as expected. He should be ready early in the season. pic.twitter.com/dwVF3wKij3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 3, 2025
Glenn Erby of Ravens Wire also mentioned that Likely was initially expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks after his foot surgery, which tracks with missing Week 1.
The setback happened during a training camp session in late July 2025, during what was expected to be a typical exercise. The injury occurred on the final play of an afternoon practice in a one-on-one drill with defensive back Sanoussi Kane.
The first reports suggested a possible leg or ankle injury, leading to the player being carted off, which worried the team. But as more information came in, it turned out to be a minor foot fracture, shifting the focus from early ankle sprain theories to a confirmed bone issue.
Following his diagnosis, Likely underwent surgery in late July 2025 to repair his broken foot. The Ravens’ decision to avoid placing him on injured reserve was a strategic one, allowing for a quicker comeback without the four-game absence that comes with IR.
“[I] might want to keep them guessing a little bit. But, it was always going to be in that range; the first few weeks [of the season].” Head Coach John Harbaugh gave an update on Likely’s status in August 2025.
John Harbaugh was purposely vague when giving an update on injured TE Isaiah Likely (foot), who could be ready for Week 1 at Bills.
Harbaugh: “[I] might want to keep them guessing a little bit. But, it was always going to be in that range; the first few weeks [of the season].”
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 18, 2025
This approach shows the team’s belief in Likely’s rehab progress, with the medical staff carefully tracking his recovery using imaging and physical checks.
He’s been involved in a few activities, like walkthroughs, but hasn’t gone back to full practice yet as of early September. It looks like he might return by Week 2 or 3, depending on how Likely handles the extra workload.
With Likely out, the Ravens are going to count on their tight end backups to step up. They’ve got Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar available, both of whom are skilled in receiving and blocking. Andrews, who’s a consistent Pro Bowler, is expected to carry more of the burden, while Kolar brings versatility as a blocker and a pass-catcher.
Kolar, now in his fourth year, is projected to see more action on the field, particularly in blocking and short-yardage situations.
