Baltimore Ravens' 2025 training camp optimism takes a hit on July 31 as TE Isaiah Likely suffers a foot fracture. Can Mark Andrews carry the load?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The buzz around Ravens training camp was electric, filled with talk of a 'vengeance' tour and an offense with no ceiling. That optimism hit its first major speed bump Thursday with the news that tight end Isaiah Likely has a small fracture in his foot. While the team is hopeful for a Week 1 return, the injury casts a shadow over a promising start in Owings Mills and places immediate pressure on the team's depth.
It's no roof. The ceiling is unlimited for our guys.
Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that tight end Isaiah Likely will miss 'a few weeks' after suffering a small foot fracture during a non-contact drill. The injury, which saw the fan-favorite carted off the field, is a significant setback for a player entering the final year of his rookie deal. After a breakout 2024 season where he posted 477 yards and 6 touchdowns, Likely was poised for an even bigger role. Now, his race against the clock to be ready for the season opener begins, and the Ravens will have to rely more heavily on Mark Andrews and their depth to carry the load in the interim.
While the Likely news stings, the excitement around the 2025 draft class is providing a major boost. First-round safety Malaki Starks and second-round defensive end Mike Green are already turning heads and look like immediate contributors. On special teams, the kicking competition is a nail-biter, with rookie Tyler Loop showing perfect poise by going 6-for-6 in practice, putting him a step ahead of John Hoyland (4-of-5). Even late-round picks are flashing, suggesting general manager Eric DeCosta has once again reloaded the roster with talent.
Lamar Jackson and the offense are carrying a chip on their shoulder after last season's playoff exit. With 10 starters returning and Zay Flowers looking explosive after a minor ankle scare, Jackson's optimism is palpable. He declared the offense's ceiling 'unlimited,' a mindset that's fueling the team's 'vengeance' tour. The front office has backed that ambition by shoring up the defense, highlighted by the signing of veteran corner Jaire Alexander, who wasted no time making his presence felt with multiple pass breakups in his first practice.
The defense is already in mid-season form. Perennial Pro Bowlers Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey have been dominant, with Hamilton locking down the middle of the field and Humphrey breaking up a key pass intended for Rashod Bateman. With new additions like Alexander, Starks, and Green meshing with the established stars, this unit is looking as formidable as ever. It's a clear continuation of the '1% better each day' philosophy that Coach Harbaugh preaches, and the early results are intimidating.
The Likely injury is an undeniable blow, a test of the 'next man up' mentality for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. However, the early returns on the draft class, the swagger on defense, and the unwavering confidence of QB1 suggest the foundation is more than strong enough to withstand it. All eyes will now be on the tight end depth chart and the daily injury reports as the Ravens march toward Week 1, hoping their star tight end can join them.
