Isaiah Likely, the tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, has suffered a small fracture in his foot, according to scans reported by Jeremy Fowler. Ian Rapoport confirmed that Likely will undergo surgery to address the injury, with an expected recovery period of about six weeks, although this timeline may be shortened.

Details on Injury Circumstances and Potential Return

Likely injured his ankle during practice this week, causing concern that the injury might be severe. Fowler noted that if his rehabilitation progresses well, Likely could return to play early in the season, keeping Week 1 as a possibility. The injury comes at a critical time as Likely and the Ravens have been in talks regarding a contract extension, which the situation could potentially affect.

Player Background and Recent Performance

The 25-year-old tight end was selected by Baltimore in the fourth round, 139th overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft after playing at Coastal Carolina. He is currently in the final year of a four-year contract worth over $4.1 million, including a signing bonus exceeding $500,000. Last season, Likely appeared in 16 games and recorded 42 receptions on 58 targets for 477 yards and six touchdowns, demonstrating his importance to the Ravens’ offense.

Implications for the Ravens’ Season and Next Steps

This injury and subsequent surgery may affect the Ravens’ planning for the season, especially concerning Likely’s availability in the early weeks. His ability to return swiftly could influence the team’s offensive dynamics and contract negotiations. Monitoring his progress during recovery will be crucial for both the player and the organization as they prepare for the upcoming season.