The Baltimore Ravens are getting set for a huge matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.
Both the Ravens and Chiefs are 1-2 and looking to avoid a dreaded 1-3 start. The Chiefs beat the New York Giants last week, while the Ravens fell to the Detroit Lions.
One piece of the Ravens' offense that's been missing is tight end Isaiah Likely, who has yet to play in 2025 after having surgery on a broken bone in his foot this summer.
On the team's most recent injury report, Likely was listed as questionable, so will he play?
Here's what we know.
Is Isaiah Likely playing today?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Likely is expected to play in Week 4 against the Chiefs.
"Ravens TE Isaiah Likely, who missed the first three games this season with a foot injury and is listed as questionable for Sunday, is expected to play and make his season debut vs. the Chiefs, per source," Schefter wrote on X.
END OF UPDATE
Considering Likely was able to log a full practice to close out the week, it appears the tight end will indeed make his debut on Sunday.
Speaking on the tight end, head coach John Harbaugh said he "looks good."
"So is he ready to go in this game against those guys and play at the top, top level and help us win this game? Or is somebody else more suited? But he could do it. He looks good to me. We'll just have to see if it's the best thing for us on Sunday."
Why it matters
Likely was a key piece of the Ravens' offense last season. The tight end caught 42 passes for 477 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. That's even with fellow tight end Mark Andrews on the roster, making it more impressive.
With Likely gone, the Ravens haven't been able to utilize two-tight-end sets as much. As a result, the vast majority of Lamar Jackson's targets have been to Andrews, Zay Flowers, and Rashod Bateman.
Isaiah Likely start or sit advice
In 2024, Likely finished as TE16 in PPR formats, according to FantasyPros. That means Likely was valuable as a spot starter, but not a surefire, elite TE1.
Considering he's coming off an injury, I'd like to see him play at least one game before relying on him in fantasy. Sit Likely until we know for sure he's ready to contribute.
Verdict: Sit
Who is Isaiah Likely's handcuff?
Considering Likely isn't the top TE on the Ravens, the easy answer here is Mark Andrews.
However, if you don't have Andrews, Charlie Kolar would be next in line. Kolar is more of a blocker than a receiver, though, and has just three targets and two catches on the season.
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