Ravens TE Isaiah Likely suffers a foot fracture in July 2025 camp, sidelining him for 6 weeks. How does this impact the offense and his future with Mark Andrews?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The optimism of training camp took a significant hit Wednesday as the Ravens announced that star tight end Isaiah Likely suffered a small fracture in his foot. The injury, sustained at the end of practice, required surgery and will sideline him for an estimated six weeks, casting a shadow over an offense that was counting on him for a breakout year.
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The news sent a shockwave through the fanbase after Likely was carted off the field. Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed the injury, stating the dynamic tight end would be out 'a few weeks.' While the team is optimistic he could make a swift recovery in time for the season opener against the Buffalo Bills, his absence leaves a major void. After a strong 2024 campaign where he posted 477 yards and six touchdowns, Likely was projected to take on an even larger role alongside Mark Andrews, creating one of the league's most formidable tight end duos. Now, the 'next man up' mentality will be put to the test.
Likely's injury adds a dramatic new wrinkle to the ongoing conversation about the Ravens' long-term plans at tight end. With significant salary cap constraints on the horizon, it was already widely believed that Baltimore would be unable to retain both Likely and Mark Andrews beyond the 2025 season. With Likely being nearly five years younger, he was seen as the more probable long-term investment. The recent four-year, $52 million extension for Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson was viewed as a potential blueprint for a Likely deal, but this injury could complicate the timing and terms of any future negotiations.
While the news on Likely was grim, the practice field did bring some positive developments. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman returned from a day off due to illness, and veteran corner Jaire Alexander was back in action after resting his knee. However, the injury list remains lengthy, with Jalyn Armour-Davis (leg), Bilhal Kone (shoulder), Ar’Darius Washington (Achilles), and Emery Jones (shoulder) all still sidelined. Amid the personnel shuffles, the team's focus was razor-sharp. Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr dedicated an entire period to turnovers, with defenders relentlessly practicing punchouts and strip-sacks, a clear response to the team's zero-takeaway performance in last year's playoffs.
Almost immediately after the news broke, Ravens players, team accounts, and the fanbase took to social media to share their support for the injured tight end. The timeline was flooded with messages wishing Likely a speedy recovery, highlighting his importance to the team's offensive identity and locker room chemistry. The unified response underscored his popularity and the team's tight-knit culture, even in the face of adversity.
The next six weeks will be a true test of the Ravens' offensive depth. All eyes will be on the other tight ends to step up during the preseason, while the front office navigates the newly complicated contract landscape. For now, the Flock holds its collective breath, hoping the optimistic Week 1 timeline for Likely holds true and that the team's focus on fundamentals will build a resilient foundation for the season ahead.
