Baltimore Ravens TE Isaiah Likely suffers a significant injury at July 2025 camp, sidelining him for weeks. How will the team cope without a key playmaker?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The energy at the Ravens' 30th season training camp has been electric, a palpable buzz fueled by Super Bowl dreams and the arrival of superstars Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins. But that excitement was pierced by a sobering dose of reality Wednesday, as the team confirmed a significant injury to one of its most dynamic playmakers, tight end Isaiah Likely.
He's going to miss a few weeks. We'll see how long that turns out to be, but we're optimistic.
The injury occurred at the end of Tuesday's practice during a one-on-one drill when Likely rolled his ankle and had to be carted off the field, a sight that sent a wave of concern through the organization. On Wednesday, Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed the fears, announcing Likely would be sidelined for 'a few weeks.' The timing is particularly tough for the versatile tight end, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal after a career-best season with 42 receptions, 477 yards, and 6 touchdowns. His absence, which sparked an outpouring of support from fans on social media, creates a major hole in Todd Monken's offense.
Likely's injury is a stark contrast to the overwhelming positivity surrounding the rest of the offense. New running back Derrick Henry, fresh off a 1,921-yard season, has looked every bit the dominant force in red zone drills. Veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins is adding another dimension to a passing attack led by a locked-in Lamar Jackson. Jackson has been sharp, connecting frequently with Zay Flowers, who has been a highlight reel of contested catches. The pieces for an explosive season are all there, which makes losing a key cog like Likely all the more painful.
This isn't just any season for the Ravens; it's the 30th, and the expectations are sky-high. The team enters camp as the consensus favorite to win the AFC North and a top Super Bowl contender, fueled by the memory of last year's playoff exit against the Buffalo Bills. Fans have flocked to camp, energized by the new additions and significant stadium upgrades, creating a championship atmosphere. The defense, led by standouts Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton, has also looked formidable, making this injury the first major test of the team's roster depth and resilience.
While the news on Isaiah Likely is a definite setback, it's far from a season-derailer for a team this talented. The next few weeks will be crucial, not just for Likely's recovery, but for seeing who steps up in his absence. With the high-stakes season opener against the Buffalo Bills looming on September 7, the Ravens' 'next man up' philosophy will be put to the test earlier than anyone hoped.
