They are going to be without Isaiah Likely for a number of weeks, but the Baltimore Ravens can rest easy because a player coming off a career-high year is confident about replacing the injured “move” tight end.
It’s Likely’s fellow fourth-round pick from the 2022 NFL draft, Charlie Kolar. He is “seeing ways that I can be better. In the passing game, taking my opportunities in the play-action game, down the seam, on a cross. Being more efficient in my movements. Spending the offseason trying to become a better athlete, better mover, getting lower in my stance. There’s just so many things to keep getting better at,” per Ravens.com Staff Writer Clifton Brown.
Kolar’s commitment to improving is timely after Likely’s setback. The latter is preparing to undergo “surgery this week to fix a broken bone in his foot, sources say. The belief is he’s out about 6 weeks, though depending on the outcome it could be fewer,” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
That timeline was confirmed by head coach John Harbaugh, who told reporters on Wednesday, July 30, “We got a shot to get him back there right away early. We’ll see. And so that’s the good news. It was early in camp and it’s not one of those major type of deals, but it’s something. It’s multiple weeks,” per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley and Jeremy Fowler.
It’s bad timing for a pass-catcher expected to be a breakout performer in 2025, but Kolar has the credentials to ensure the Ravens stay strong at a loaded position.
Charlie Kolar Primed to Help Ravens
Kolar’s potential to fill a void for the Ravens is based on more than just bold talk. As Brown pointed out, “Kolar feels prepared to assume a larger role, coming off his best season as a receiver, blocker, and special teams contributor. He played a career-high 251 offensive snaps last season and finished with nine catches for 151 yards and one touchdown, including a 55-yard reception.”
It helps Kolar has been “strong” at training camp, along with veteran All-Pro Mark Andrews. Kolar delivering strong performances at this time on the NFL calendar is important, but so is an endorsement from his position coach George Godsey.
He’s “seen Kolar become a more complete player as he enters his fourth season,” per Brown. The reference to a “complete” skill-set is significant because Kolar offers the qualities of a throwback tight end.
Specifically, the 6-foot-6, 267-pounder is a size mismatch against coverage on inside routes. He’s also a formidable blocker, something No.88 proved with double duty to spring Derrick Henry against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, highlighted by Cole Jackson.
Plays like this one are part of Kolar’s underlying value, but Godsey urged the 26-year-old to put it all together “for a full four quarters.”
Doing so will require Kolar showing off some receiving skills to offset the Ravens being without Likely in the passing game.
Ravens Will Miss Isaiah Likely’s Receiving Skills
Likely will be missed, even through camp and the preseason, because of what his presence means for how the Ravens attack defenses through the air. He allowed one personnel grouping to become a superpower last season, while Likely appeared primed to eat into Andrews’ target share out of another formation this year.
The Ravens don’t have another tight end with Likely’s flexibility and athleticism to strike from anywhere on the field. Kolar can’t compare, but he can still make big plays as a receiver, like this catch and run against the Dallas Cowboys from Week 3.
Kolar needs more plays like this, not just to assume a role similar to the one played by Likely. The former Iowa State star also needs to make an impact consistently during a contract year.
He’s not about to let an uncertain future define a pivotal season, but Kolar told reporters, including 105.7 The Fan’s Cordell Woodland, “You can’t help but think about it.”
Kolar won’t have to worry if he can finally make the Ravens believe he’s adequate insurance for Likely, as well as a potential successor for 29-year-old Andrews.
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