Ravens Face Delicate Balance with Isaiah Likely’s Return
As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to face the Detroit Lions on Monday night, the team is walking a fine line with the return of tight end Isaiah Likely. The 25-year-old playmaker has been on the mend since undergoing surgery for a fractured left foot suffered just a week into training camp. With 14 games remaining on the schedule, the Ravens must weigh the benefits of having Likely back on the field against the risks of rushing him back too quickly.
Despite Likely’s eagerness to return, the Ravens are taking a cautious approach. He has participated in just three limited practices since returning to the practice fields last Friday, and the team is prioritizing his long-term health over the short-term benefits of having him on the field.
“You always want to look at the big picture because, at the end of the day, in this league, it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Likely said. “You don’t want to enter [games in] September at 80%. I really understand that January is so far away, so I want to [play]. Obviously, we’ve been putting up 40 points without me, so I’m not in a hurry, and they’re not rushing me to come back.”
Likely’s absence has not hindered the Ravens’ offense, which has been clicking on all cylinders with quarterback Lamar Jackson at the helm. However, his versatility and chemistry with Jackson make him a valuable asset to the team. As Likely noted, “Me being limited doesn’t help anyone. You want to see me being me.”
The Ravens’ offense has been prolific without Likely, but his return would provide an added dimension to the team’s attack. As offensive coordinator Todd Monken explained, “He’s just such a versatile player. There are a number of things you can do with him – on the line and in the slot. Those are things that when you have versatile players, it allows you to do a number of things [and] play a lot of modes with them, so it’s certainly an advantage for us.”
While the Ravens are eager to welcome Likely back, they are also dealing with other injury concerns. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike missed his second consecutive practice with a neck injury, and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) was a non-participant in practice for the third consecutive day. The team’s pass rush, which has been a strength in recent seasons, will be tested against Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who excels when given a clean pocket.
As defensive coordinator Zach Orr noted, “You talk about [with] any quarterback, if you let them sit there, get comfortable, and set their feet, they’ll make you pay. Jared Goff is one of the best at that. He’s one of the most accurate quarterbacks when he has a clean picture and can set his feet and throw the football. We’ve got to generate pressure on him, whether it’s with a four-man rush or sending extra guys.”
In more encouraging news, cornerback Marlon Humphrey (groin) was a full participant in practice for the second consecutive day, and cornerback Nate Wiggins (groin) returned to practice on a limited basis.
As the Ravens prepare to face the Lions, they will be keeping a close eye on Likely’s progress and weighing their options for his return. With a long season ahead, the team must balance its desire to win now with the need to prioritize Likely’s long-term health.
Injury Report:
- Baltimore:
- Did not participate: DT Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), FB Patrick Ricard (calf), OLB Kyle Van Noy (hamstring)
- Limited participation: TE Isaiah Likely (foot), CB Nate Wiggins (groin)
- Full participation: RB Rasheen Ali (concussion), CB Marlon Humphrey (groin), NT John Jenkins (staff)
- Detroit:
- Did not participate: DE Marcus Davenport (abdomen)
- Limited participation: LB Jack Campbell (ankle), S Kerby Joseph (knee), CB DJ Reed (knee)
- Full participation: OT Taylor Decker (shoulder), LB Trevor Nowaske (elbow), RB Sione Vaki (hamstring)
