Isaiah Likely Returns: Ravens TE Set to Make Season Debut Against Chiefs

The Baltimore Ravens received a much-needed boost heading into their crucial Week 4 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. After missing the first three games of the 2025 season while recovering from foot surgery, tight end Isaiah Likely is officially active and ready to make his season debut on Sunday.

A Long Road Back from Injury

For Likely, this moment has been months in the making. The 25-year-old underwent foot surgery during training camp, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as his teammates struggled to find their offensive rhythm. The former fourth-round pick from Coastal Carolina has been methodically working his way back, progressing from limited practice participation to full sessions this week.

The emotional weight of missing those opening games cannot be understated for a player who had established himself as a key weapon in Baltimore’s offense. Likely’s absence was felt deeply, especially as the Ravens stumbled to a disappointing 1-2 start despite high expectations coming into the season.

Career-Best Season Creates High Expectations

Likely’s return carries significant weight after his breakout 2024 campaign. The versatile tight end set career highs across the board last season with 42 receptions, 477 receiving yards, and six touchdown catches. Those numbers don’t just represent statistical achievements but showcase how integral he became to quarterback Lamar Jackson’s success and the Ravens’ offensive philosophy.

His ability to line up both in-line and split wide creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, Likely possesses the size to handle physical coverage from linebackers while maintaining the speed and route-running ability to challenge safeties and cornerbacks in single coverage.

Ravens Offense Searching for Identity

Baltimore’s offensive struggles through three games make Likely’s return even more critical. While the Ravens put up impressive point totals in their first two contests, including 40 points against Buffalo and 41 against Cleveland, the underlying performance has been inconsistent.

The most glaring issue has been the ground game. All-Pro running back Derrick Henry exploded for 169 yards in the season opener but has managed just 73 combined rushing yards in the two games since. Without a consistent rushing attack, the Ravens have struggled to establish their preferred offensive rhythm.

Likely’s versatility could provide the spark Baltimore desperately needs. His presence in heavy personnel packages gives the Ravens another dimension in their running game, while his receiving ability offers Jackson a reliable target over the middle of the field where chunk plays develop.

Perfect Timing Against Kansas City

The timing of Likely’s return could not be better. Facing a Chiefs defense that has shown vulnerability against tight ends in recent seasons, Baltimore will have an opportunity to exploit mismatches with both Likely and four-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews on the field simultaneously.

Kansas City’s defense has struggled with coverage assignments when facing multiple receiving threats from the tight end position. Likely’s ability to create separation on crossing routes and seam patterns could be the key to unlocking explosive plays in what promises to be a high-scoring affair.

The emotional element cannot be ignored either. For a Ravens team that has faced criticism and doubt after their slow start, having a key contributor return at such a crucial moment provides both tactical advantages and psychological lift.

High Stakes Showdown

Both teams enter Sunday’s contest with identical 1-2 records, making this matchup critical for playoff positioning. Neither franchise expected to be in this position after three games, adding urgency to what was already anticipated to be one of the season’s premier matchups.

For the Ravens, avoiding a 1-3 start becomes paramount. Historically, teams that dig such an early hole face an uphill battle to reach the playoffs. While Baltimore plays in a weaker AFC North division that could provide some cushion, another loss would leave precious little margin for error moving forward.

Likely’s return represents hope for a Ravens organization that has championship aspirations. His chemistry with Jackson, developed through countless practice repetitions and game situations, could be the difference-maker in a contest where every possession matters.

What Likely’s Return Means Moving Forward

Beyond Sunday’s game, Likely’s activation signals the Ravens’ intention to return to their preferred offensive approach. Todd Monken’s system thrives when multiple receiving threats can stress defenses horizontally and vertically. With Likely back in the fold alongside Andrews, Zay Flowers, and Rashod Bateman, Baltimore possesses the personnel to create the mismatches that made their offense so explosive in previous seasons.

The Ravens faithful have every reason to feel optimistic about their team’s chances with Likely back in uniform. His return not only adds another weapon to Jackson’s arsenal but represents the kind of depth and versatility that separates championship contenders from pretenders.

As kickoff approaches at Arrowhead Stadium, all eyes will be on how quickly Likely can re-establish his connection with Jackson and impact a game with playoff implications written all over it.