Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely is on the cusp of returning to the field, and fans can expect to see him “very soon,” according to the player himself. Likely made the announcement during a taping of the WJZ Purple Game Book at Jimmy’s Seafood on Wednesday, marking the first time he’s publicly discussed his injury and recovery.
The young tight end suffered a broken bone in his foot during a training camp session on July 29, which required surgery and forced him to miss the entire preseason and the first two games of the regular season. Likely revealed that he broke his fifth metatarsal during an individual drill in practice, when a defender inadvertently landed on his foot.
The injury was a significant setback for Likely, who was coming off a breakout season in 2024. He caught 42 passes for 477 yards and six touchdowns last year, and also hauled in seven receptions for 126 yards in the playoffs. Likely’s absence has been felt in the Ravens’ offense, which has struggled to produce through the tight end position in the first two games of the season.
In fact, the team’s tight ends have combined for just two receptions and seven yards so far this year. Likely’s return will be a welcome boost to the offense, and he’s working hard to ensure that he’s ready to contribute as soon as possible. “I’m just being able to trust myself, being able to be me, because I know that when I go out, the fans, my players, my brothers, the coaches, they all want to see me being me,” Likely said.
While Likely didn’t provide a specific timeline for his return, he indicated that he’s getting close. “Knowing the end game is to make sure I’m good on the road,” he said. “I take it week by week, impatient to get back there.” The Ravens host the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football this week, but it’s unclear if Likely will be ready to suit up for that game.
One thing is certain, however: the Ravens need Likely’s production in the offense. His absence has been felt, and his return will be a key factor in the team’s success moving forward. As Likely works to trust his movements on the field and regain his confidence, the Ravens and their fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the lineup. With his impressive performance last season and his dedication to his rehabilitation, Likely is poised to make a significant impact on the field as soon as he’s back to full strength.
