Baltimore Ravens TE Isaiah Likely is out for six weeks (foot injury) ahead of the 2024 season. How will Mark Andrews and Lamar Jackson adapt for Week 1?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just as training camp optimism was hitting its peak, the Baltimore Ravens were dealt a significant blow. Tight end Isaiah Likely will undergo surgery for a broken bone in his foot, suffered during a red zone drill on Tuesday. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed the news on Wednesday, stating the promising tight end is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks, putting his availability for the Week 1 opener against the Buffalo Bills in serious jeopardy.
After a 2024 season with 42 catches for 477 yards and six touchdowns, Isaiah Likely was poised for a breakout in the final year of his rookie contract.
With Isaiah Likely on the shelf, the offensive focus immediately snaps back to a familiar face: Mark Andrews. Any offseason chatter about a potential timeshare or a reduced role for the veteran is officially over. Andrews is now unequivocally Lamar Jackson's primary security blanket and red zone threat to start the season. The injury also swings the door wide open for the rest of the tight end room. Charlie Kolar, along with Zaire Mitchell-Paden and Sam Pitz, will see a dramatic increase in reps as they battle for a larger role and roster security.
While the Likely news cast a shadow, Wednesday's practice wasn't without its bright spots. Guard Daniel Faalele continues to turn heads, earning praise for his dominant performance in drills. On the other side of the ball, Tavius Robinson is reportedly emerging as a vocal leader among the outside linebackers, while rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan is already seeing significant playing time. The team also welcomed back linebacker Jake Hummel, who returned to the field after nursing a hand injury, bolstering the defensive depth.
In other health news, star wideout Zay Flowers was absent from Wednesday's practice. However, the team was quick to state that his return is expected soon and his absence is not a long-term concern. Flowers joins cornerbacks Jalyn Armour-Davis and Bilhal Kone on the short-term absentee list. Despite the bumps and bruises, Coach Harbaugh remains optimistic about the team's overall health as they pivot from practice to live action.
The injury to Likely is an undeniable blow, but the 'next man up' philosophy is deeply ingrained in Baltimore. The immediate test comes tomorrow night against the Indianapolis Colts in the preseason opener. All eyes will be on Mark Andrews, the performance of the offensive line, and which young players seize this sudden opportunity to prove they belong. The 2025 season just got its first taste of adversity before a single real snap was taken.
