Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely will undergo surgery to repair a broken bone in his foot.
Likely is expected to miss about six weeks, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday, but the timetable could be shortened depending on the outcome of the surgery. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said later Wednesday that Likely will undergo surgery and miss "multiple weeks."
Rapoport noted that it's possible that Likely could be ready for Week 1 and added it's not a long-term issue.
"That's the good news. It's early in camp, and it's not one of those major type of deals, but it's something," Harbaugh said. "It's multiple weeks."
Baltimore opens the 2025 campaign Sept. 7, on Sunday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills -- 39 days from today.
Likely was expected to take on an increased role in the Ravens offense in 2025 after putting up a career-high 477 yards on 42 catches with six touchdowns in 2024. The athletic 2022 fourth-round pick offers run-after-catch ability and has shown enticing upside in each of his three campaigns.
The injury is a setback, but Likely should be a significant part of the game plan whenever he returns.
Likely's injury ensures that Mark Andrews will continue to have a key role in the Ravens offense, at least to open the season. There was some offseason chatter that Baltimore could move on from the soon-to-be 30-year-old. Instead, his presence ensures the Ravens still have a go-to tight end target for Lamar Jackson if Likely misses regular-season action.
