The Baltimore Ravens have been expanding their offensive playbook in recent years, aiming to build a more complete unit around superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. Much of that investment has gone toward adding wide receivers, but the team has also been looking for versatility at tight end.
After offseason chatter that the team could move on from veteran Mark Andrews, his tenure in Baltimore may not last much longer. In his place, Isaiah Likely appeared to be the Ravens’ best option to elevate into that role. But his progress has already hit a bump, as an injury sidelined him for the preseason. With the 2025 regular season fast approaching, his Week 1 status remains uncertain.
What Happened to Isaiah Likely?
A key component of the Ravens’ offseason plans, Likely was expected to take a major step forward in 2025. But just before the preseason began, he suffered a broken bone in his foot that derailed his momentum.
As a result, he had to undergo surgery in late July, with an estimated recovery time of six weeks. For a 2022 fourth-round draft pick, the timing was especially disappointing, as he was coming off a breakout 2024 campaign.
Despite Baltimore’s varied offensive attack, Likely recorded 477 yards and six touchdowns in 16 regular-season games last year, plus 126 yards across two postseason games.
With Andrews’ long-term future in question, Likely seemed like the ideal replacement. But his injury has complicated that plan, leaving his availability for Week 1 in jeopardy until game day.
READ MORE: Should I Draft Isaiah Likely? Fantasy Outlook for the Ravens TE in 2025
The Ravens will open against the Buffalo Bills, the team that ended their 2024 season, a tall order even with a full roster. Entering that matchup without arguably their best available tight end would make things even more difficult.
Latest on Likely
Ahead of the deadline to announce the official 53-man roster, head coach John Harbaugh declined to give a clear update on Likely’s recovery. He said:
“It was always going to be in that range – first few weeks. It might be harder to pin me down on that one.” Moreover, he noted he had not yet received a direct update from the medical staff.
Nick Wright on Isaiah Likely’s (reported) six-week recovery timeline for his foot fracture:
“I don’t trust the national NFL reporters on this. … There’s very little reporting and much more PR from agents these days. I would be shocked if Isaiah Likely beats the projections,… pic.twitter.com/rQeGmq1yPg
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) July 31, 2025
The Ravens now face a decision: keep Likely on the 53-man roster, knowing he may miss at least a week, or place him on injured reserve, which would force him to sit out four games.
With early-season matchups against Super Bowl contenders such as the Bills, Detroit Lions, and Kansas City Chiefs, the choice could have a significant impact on Baltimore’s start to the season.
