News Summary
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely announced his return from injury is near, stating he will be back on the field ‘very soon.’ After suffering a broken fifth metatarsal during training camp, Likely has missed the start of the 2023 NFL season, putting pressure on the team’s struggling tight end unit. His absence has been felt, especially with fellow tight end Mark Andrews also underperforming. As the Ravens prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Lions, Likely’s return is eagerly anticipated.
Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely has announced that his return from injury is imminent, stating he will be back on the field “very soon” during a recent television taping. Likely’s return is especially anticipated as the Ravens’ tight end unit has struggled significantly in the early season.
Likely, who suffered a broken fifth metatarsal during training camp on July 29, has been sidelined since the start of the preseason and the first two games of the 2023 NFL season. The injury occurred during a one-on-one drill in practice when a defender accidentally landed on his foot. Following the injury, Likely experienced an inability to put pressure on his foot, leading to an MRI that confirmed the fracture.
As he works through his recovery, Likely is taking a week-by-week approach, expressing eagerness to return as soon as possible. His absence has put additional pressure on the team’s tight ends, who have only tallied two receptions for a mere seven yards combined in the first two games of the season. This glaring statistic underscores the necessity of his return to the lineup.
Last season, Isaiah Likely had a productive campaign, catching 42 passes for 477 yards and scoring six touchdowns. He also made significant contributions during the playoffs, solidifying his role as a vital player for the Ravens. His previous success has raised expectations for him to boost the team’s performance, especially given that fellow tight end Mark Andrews has also struggled this season with just two receptions for seven yards.
Head coach John Harbaugh has voiced confidence in the potential contributions of Andrews and another tight end, Charlie Kolar, as the season progresses. However, the combination of Likely’s absence and the absence of tight end Patrick Ricard has been cited as a key factor impacting the tight end production thus far.
In discussing the challenges of his injury, Likely acknowledged the mental and emotional toll that being sidelined has taken on him, articulating a sentiment that many athletes share: the joy of playing football is often not fully appreciated until it is taken away. As he prepares for his return, he is focused on regaining his trust in his movements on the field.
The Ravens are scheduled to face the Detroit Lions during Week 3 on Monday Night Football. However, the exact timeline for Likely’s return is uncertain, as it will ultimately depend on his recovery process. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful that his return will help rejuvenate the tight end position for the team and bolster their offensive capabilities for the remainder of the season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Joe Flacco Returns to Baltimore as Browns Face Ravens
Cleveland Browns Face Baltimore Ravens in AFC North Clash
Ravens Suffer Narrow Defeat Against Bills in Season Opener
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Isaiah Likely’s Return Announcement
- Wikipedia: Baltimore Ravens
- Baltimore Ravens: Isaiah Likely Returns to Practice
- Google Search: Isaiah Likely
- Ravens Wire: John Harbaugh Injury Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- SI: Ravens Tight End Situation
- Google News: Baltimore Ravens
- Baltimore Ravens: Mailbag with Mark Andrews
