Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely needs surgery, but could be back early in the season
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely needs surgery after injuring his lower leg this week.
Coach John Harbaugh confirmed that on Wednesday. He said the previous day that Likely hurt his ankle and foot area and would miss several weeks.
NFL.com reported that Likely would miss about six weeks, and Baltimore's season opener is on Sept 7.
"He's going to have surgery," Harbaugh said. "I think the timeline I saw actually was accurate, on the timeline that was reported. So we've got a shot to get him back there right away, early. We'll see."
Harbaugh added, "It was early in camp, and it's not one of those major-type of deals. But it's something. It's multiple weeks."
Likely's Baltimore career
Likely, heading into his fourth season in Baltimore out of Coastal Carolina, caught 42 passes for 477 yards with six touchdowns last season.
He caught a touchdown pass in the final two minutes of the Ravens' AFC Divisional playoff game, which got Baltimore within 27-25. They lost after tight end Mark Andrews dropped the two-point conversion.
High hopes for Isaiah Likely
In three seasons, Likely has 108 receptions for 1,261 yards and 14 touchdowns, but his contributions have grown each year since he joined the team.
The Ravens are expecting a big season from Likely, who is part of the tight end room with Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar. Andrews, a three-time Pro Bowl performer, had 11 touchdown grabs in 2024.
Since being drafted by Baltimore in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Andrews has 436 catches for 5,530 yards and 51 touchdowns. However, he doesn't have a touchdown in eight career playoff games.
2025 season close to its start
The Baltimore Ravens won the AFC North in 2024 with a 12-5 record.
They open the preseason at home against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday, Aug. 7.
Baltimore kicks off the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 7 against the Buffalo Bills. Its home opener is against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 14.
