Baltimore Ravens Give Positive Update On TE Isaiah Likely Injury

For the Baltimore Ravens and their fans, the absence of tight end Isaiah Likely through the first three weeks of the season has been a noticeable void. Sidelined by a foot injury that required offseason surgery, the dynamic playmaker’s return has been eagerly anticipated. Now, positive news from the practice field signals his imminent 2025 debut, a return that carries significant weight. As he enters the final season of his rookie deal, this is more than just a comeback; it’s the start of a crucial campaign that will define his future in Baltimore and beyond.

Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely Hoping To Make Season Debut

Isaiah Likely’s journey back to the field began with a foot injury that necessitated offseason surgery. The Ravens’ decision not to place him on the Injured Reserve list to start the season was a strong indicator that they anticipated his return within the first few weeks. Their patience and strategic roster management now appear to be paying off.

The positive signs began to surface during the practice week leading up to the Ravens’ Week 4 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. After being a limited participant early in the week, Likely was upgraded to a full participant by Friday. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed this progress, providing the strongest indication yet that Likely is on track to make his season debut.

This steady progression from limited to full participation is the ideal recovery arc for a player coming off a significant injury. It shows that he is not only physically ready to handle the demands of practice but is also responding well to the increased workload without setbacks. For the Ravens, it means a key offensive weapon is about to be reintroduced into their game plan. For Likely, it means the clock has officially started on the most important season of his professional career.

The Stakes of a Contract Year

As a former fourth-round pick, Isaiah Likely has consistently outperformed his draft position. In his first three seasons, he has shown flashes of being a high-level, versatile tight end capable of making an impact as both a receiver and a blocker. However, he now enters the final year of his rookie contract, meaning every snap, every catch, and every block will be scrutinized by the Ravens’ front office and by teams across the league.

This season is his primary opportunity to prove he deserves a lucrative long-term extension. The challenge for Likely has always been the presence of All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews. Playing in the shadow of one of the league’s best at the position has naturally limited Likely’s opportunities to be a primary target. Despite this, he has managed to carve out a significant role, with his offensive snap percentage increasing each year, from 40% in his rookie season to a career-high 60% in 2024.

This season presents a unique situation. Both Likely and the 30-year-old Andrews are in the final years of their respective contracts. This creates a fascinating dynamic where both players are essentially auditioning for the future. The Ravens will have to make a difficult decision: do they reinvest in their established veteran star, pivot to the younger, ascending talent, or attempt to find a way to keep both?

For Likely to secure the contract he desires, he must demonstrate that he is more than just a high-end TE2. He needs to prove he can be a consistent, game-changing threat who can command a significant target share and produce at a high level, even when sharing the field with Andrews.

The Dual-Threat Tight End Offense

The return of Isaiah Likely is not just about adding depth; it is about unlocking the full potential of Todd Monken’s offense. The Ravens are at their most dangerous when they deploy their “12 personnel” package, which features two tight ends on the field simultaneously. This formation creates significant matchup problems for opposing defenses.

• Mismatch Nightmare: With both Andrews and Likely on the field, defenses are forced to make a difficult choice. Do they stay in their base defense with linebackers, who will struggle to cover the athletic tight ends? Or do they switch to a nickel package with smaller defensive backs, who will be at a physical disadvantage in the running game?
• Versatility and Deception: Likely is not just a receiving threat. He is a capable and willing blocker who can line up in-line, in the slot, or even out wide. This versatility allows the Ravens to run a wide variety of plays from the same personnel grouping, making their offense unpredictable. They can seamlessly switch from a powerful running formation to a five-man passing concept without substituting players.
• Taking Pressure Off Lamar Jackson: A dominant tight end duo provides a quarterback with reliable safety valves. Both Andrews and Likely excel at finding soft spots in zone coverage and using their large frames to win contested catches. Their presence makes the middle of the field a high-percentage area for quarterback Lamar Jackson, which in turn opens up opportunities on the outside for receivers like Zay Flowers.

After a quiet start to the season, Mark Andrews had a breakout performance in Week 3, hauling in six catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns. His re-emergence as a primary threat is perfectly timed with Likely’s return. The combination of a rejuvenated Andrews and a healthy, motivated Likely could elevate the Ravens’ offense to an elite level.

What to Expect Upon His Return

Given that he is coming off surgery and has missed the first three games, it is reasonable to expect the Ravens to ease Isaiah Likely back into action. He may be on a “snap count” in his first game back as the coaching staff monitors his conditioning and ensures he is fully comfortable.

However, his role should expand quickly. Expect to see him heavily involved in two-tight end sets, where he can be used to attack the seams, work the intermediate routes, and serve as a primary red-zone target. His ability to create yards after the catch will make him a valuable weapon in the screen game and on short passes.

Conclusion

The latest Isaiah Likely injury update is a significant positive development for the Baltimore Ravens, but for the player himself, it marks the beginning of a pivotal chapter. He is returning to the field healthy, motivated, and with everything to prove in a contract year. His performance over the next 14 games will not only impact the Ravens’ chances of making a deep playoff run but will also directly shape his financial future.

While the presence of Mark Andrews presents a challenge for earning targets, it also creates an opportunity. If Likely can thrive alongside another elite tight end and help form the league’s most dangerous tight end duo, he will prove his value beyond any doubt. The stage is set for Isaiah Likely to demonstrate that he is not just a promising young player, but a cornerstone talent deserving of a long-term, top-tier contract. The audition starts now.