Ahead of a huge AFC showdown with the Chiefs, the Baltimore Ravens got some fantastic injury news on a key offensive contributor. TE Isaiah Likely, who underwent foot surgery early in camp and has yet to return to the field, is expected to make his season debut on Sunday afternoon against the Chiefs. He is officially listed as questionable and will go through a pre-game workout beforehand to make sure he’s good to go.
Both Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media are reporting the news. Likely is a major part of the Ravens game plan, both in the rushing and passing games. His ability to line up split out or in-line gives the Baltimore offense incredible versatility. He can be a plus in the Ravens’ jumbo sets for rushing, utilizing 12-personnel (two tight ends, one running back) to create matchup advantages while still being able to run advanced routes against corners and safeties.
A former fourth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina, Likely is the Ravens’ most dynamic receiving weapon at tight end. Last season, he had 42 catches for 477 yards and six touchdowns, setting career highs in all categories. His return is a big boost for the Ravens in a critical spot.
The Baltimore Ravens Offense Isn’t Quite Right
Scott TaetschBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Lamar Jackson #8 and Isaiah Likely #80 of the Baltimore Ravens react after a play during the fourth quarter naps during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Ravens’ struggles on defense to start the year are well-documented, but the offense hasn’t exactly been in sync, either. They started the year with a 40-point explosion on the road against the Bills and followed that up by putting 41 on the Browns, arguably the league’s best defense.
But upon closer inspection, some of those numbers are a bit deceiving. Baltimore dropped a game at home against the Lions last week, and though the scored 30 points, the offense was sluggish throughout the bulk of the second and third quarters. While the Lions were moving the ball up and down the field, something just felt off about Baltimore’s offense.
The main culprit is probably the Ravens’ lack of a successful rushing attack. All-Pro RB Derrick Henry ran for 169 yards in Week 1 against the Bills, but in the two games since he’s combined for just 73 rushing yards. The Ravens’ offensive line isn’t as strong as in years past, and QB Lamar Jackson is under consistent pressure, as well. Perhaps Likely’s return will help the offense find its groove.
The Baltimore Ravens and the Chiefs Need This One Badly
Who would have guessed that two of the AFC’s premier contenders over the last few seasons would both be 1-2 entering Week 4? Not many, yet that’s where the Ravens and Chiefs stand on the eve of their showdown. What was supposed to be a heavyweight fight between two of the league’s juggernauts is instead a desperate moment to avoid a dreaded 1-3 hole to start the season.
Whoever loses this game will be at a major disadvantage in the AFC playoff race. The Ravens are in a much weaker division, so perhaps they can better weather such a deficit. But it’s not common for 1-3 teams to end up making the playoffs. Both of these squad are good enough that a loss isn’t a death knell for their playoff hopes, but it does leave them very little margin for error moving forward.
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