The Baltimore Ravens head into Week 3 of the 2025-26 season with a 1-1 record, and while it’s still early, one storyline has dominated the conversation: the absence of tight end Isaiah Likely. The 25-year-old was expected to have a breakout year, but instead, he has been forced to watch from the sidelines after a painful and unexpected setback in training camp.
What Happened to Isaiah Likely and How Long Is He Out?
The injury occurred during a simple one-on-one drill in late July. Likely made a routine catch against rookie safety Sanoussi Kane, but the play took a disastrous turn when Kane accidentally stepped on his foot as he landed. In that split second, everything changed for the promising tight end.
“Grabbed my foot, felt like I couldn’t put pressure on it. Went inside, got an MRI, saw that I had cracked my fifth metatarsal,” Likely said, recalling the moment he knew something was seriously wrong. The injury required surgery, leaving Likely with a recovery timeline of approximately six weeks.
For a player entering a contract year, the timing could not have been worse. Just months earlier, in the 2024-25 campaign, he had set career highs in receptions (42), yards (477), and touchdowns (six). Another big season could have positioned him for the kind of massive deal every young player dreams of, giving him a chance to prove his value not just to the Ravens but to the entire league.
Instead of building on that momentum, he has had to embrace patience. “I’ve been itching to get back out there,” Likely admitted, before adding that he understands the bigger picture. “The end game is to make sure I’m good down the road.”
How Has Baltimore’s Offense Managed Without Likely?
In his absence, Baltimore has clearly felt the void. Mark Andrews, who was expected to carry the tight end group, has managed just two catches for seven yards through the first two games. Without Likely, the Ravens have been missing a versatile playmaker who brings a unique energy to their offense.
However, there is good news on the horizon. The Ravens never placed Likely on injured reserve, a decision that signaled their confidence that he would return within the first month of the season.
That confidence appears to have been well-founded, as Likely recently returned to practice, bringing him one step closer to getting back on the field. For Baltimore, his return could not come at a better time.
For Likely, this is about more than just playing again. It is about proving he can bounce back from a significant injury and reminding everyone of the talent that made him such a vital piece of this offense.
As the Ravens prepare for a Monday night clash with the Detroit Lions, the possibility of his return gives fans hope, and it gives Likely a chance to write the comeback chapter he has been waiting for.
