Ravens’ Rising Star Isaiah Likely Set to Explode in 2025—Why Analysts Say He’s the NFL’s Next Breakout Tight End

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely was carted off the practice field Tuesday after rolling his right ankle during a one-on-one rep near the end of the team’s first fully padded session of training camp. Head coach John Harbaugh told reporters the second-year playmaker is expected to miss “a few weeks,” adding that early imaging ruled out a fracture and confirmed a moderate sprain. Likely’s injury reshuffles Baltimore’s tight-end depth chart behind All-Pro Mark Andrews. Veteran Charlie Kolar and rookie seventh-rounder Tanner McLachlan took the remaining reps with the first team after Likely exited. Kolar, praised throughout the spring for improved blocking, suddenly finds himself as the primary TE2, while McLachlan’s receiving chops from Arizona could earn him red-zone snaps if Likely’s recovery lingers. Why Isaiah Likely matters • Breakout potential: Likely posted a 22-267-3 receiving line over the final four games of 2024 when Andrews was sidelined. • Scheme fit: New offensive coordinator Todd Monken frequently deploys two-tight-end sets, making Likely an essential chess piece for Lamar Jackson’s intermediate passing attack. • Fantasy football relevance: Before the injury, Likely’s average draft position hovered in the late 12th round of PPR formats; managers should now pivot to Kolar or stash Likely on short-term IR. Projected timetable & key dates • Weeks 1–2 of preseason (Aug. 3 & Aug. 10): Unlikely to play; rehab and pool work expected. • Joint practices vs. Panthers (Aug. 14-15): Optimistic—but not guaranteed—return window if swelling subsides. • Regular-season opener vs. Chiefs (Sept. 4): Organization hopes for clearance, but Week 2 against Pittsburgh (Sept. 11) may be more realistic given the “few weeks” phrasing. What the Ravens are saying Harbaugh stressed the team will be “smart, not rushed” with Likely’s comeback, noting the 240-pound target’s cutting ability is critical to the offense’s spacing. Quarterback Lamar Jackson called the injury “a gut punch,” but added, “Zay [Flowers] and the wideouts will pick up the slack until Isaiah’s back.” Big-picture impact Baltimore entered camp thin on proven pass catchers behind Andrews and Flowers. If Likely misses regular-season action, expect more 11-personnel with slot receiver Nelson Agholor, and a possible August free-agent look at veteran tight ends Cameron Brate or Mo Alie-Cox. Bottom line Isaiah Likely’s ankle sprain is a setback, yet early testing suggests he avoided season-threatening damage. A cautious three-to-four-week recovery keeps him on track for early-season availability, but the Ravens’ tight-end rotation and fantasy football draft boards will remain in flux until he’s full-go in team drills.