On a hot day at the Baltimore Ravens’ Owings Mills training facility, the team’s defense took advantage of an undermanned offense during practice, showing strong performance in most team drills. Amid the physical work, head coach John Harbaugh provided an update on Isaiah Likely’s injury, confirming that the tight end will require surgery after being diagnosed with a small foot fracture.

Likely had initially been thought to have an ankle injury when he was carted off the field during Tuesday’s session. Harbaugh later clarified the diagnosis and remarked on the expected recovery timeline.

“I think the timeline I saw [roughly six weeks, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley] actually was accurate that was reported, so we have a shot to get him back there right away early. We’ll see. That’s the good news. It’s early in camp, and it’s not one of those major type of deals, but it’s something. It’s multiple weeks,”

Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh described the emotional moment when he and general manager Eric DeCosta learned the results alongside Likely, calling it “a tough few minutes.” However, he noted that Likely is “in great spirits” now and relieved that he does not have to use crutches.

Other Injury Concerns and Player Absences During Practice

Several other Ravens players did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, though the injuries appear manageable. Rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, nursing a knee or leg issue noticed at the end of Tuesday’s workout, sat out but is expected to return soon. Harbaugh reassured,

“He and a couple other guys that you didn’t see are all camp-type things that you really just need to not go out for a few days on, so he’ll be back in a few days.”

Rashod Bateman also skipped team drills, along with cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis. Harbaugh downplayed Armour-Davis’ condition as

“not a serious deal … not anything that’s going to keep him out for a long time.”

Defensive Standouts Lead Effort Despite Offensive Limitations

With the offense missing several key players, the Ravens defense capitalized and showcased impressive play, including standout moments from cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. Operating primarily with the first-team defense, Awuzie nearly intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass early in the 11-on-11 drills and delivered tight coverage on multiple receivers that disrupted passes.

Harbaugh praised Awuzie’s progress, noting,

“Really stepping up the last day or two. I think he’s really starting to feel healthy, and, boy, he knows how to play. He’s smart. Still learning the ins and outs of the defense, but he’s a real quick learner. When you talk to him about it, he picks it up really fast, so very excited about him.”

Awuzie brings experience from seven NFL seasons and has overcome previous injuries, including a groin strain with the Tennessee Titans last season and a minor ankle issue during minicamp. He joins a deep cornerback group that includes Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Kyle Hamilton, first-round draft pick Malaki Starks, and offseason addition Jaire Alexander, who is largely rotating with the second unit.

The Ravens’ defensive line also showed strength, led by interior linemen Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Broderick Washington Jr. Washington notably pushed an offensive lineman deep into the backfield to disrupt a Keaton Mitchell run. The defense dominated run defense, limiting Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry’s effectiveness during drills.

Edge rushers Tavius Robinson, Odafe Oweh, and David Ojabo contributed notable pressure, while second-round rookie Mike Green demonstrated promise by winning a one-on-one matchup that would have resulted in a sack if not for a teammate’s intervention.

Harbaugh reflected on the team’s contrasting performance over two days:

“Yesterday we had a really good day in pass protection. Today wasn’t quite as good. I thought the defense really stepped up with the pressure.”

Offensive Highlights from Hopkins, Andrews, and Emerging Receivers

Although the offense struggled collectively during practice, veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins and tight end Mark Andrews managed several positive plays. Hopkins made back-to-back catches early on, including a well-executed comeback route against Nate Wiggins, helped by strong pass protection that gave Lamar Jackson ample time.

Hopkins and Jackson connected smoothly on a slant pattern shortly afterward. Later in the red zone segment of practice, Hopkins hauled in an impressive touchdown catch at the very back of the end zone, demonstrating his reliable hands and field awareness.

Hopkins’ tight ends coach, George Godsey, praised his intelligence and leadership.

“It’s a lot of juice, a lot of knowledge, too. Very good brain for the game, too. Knows where to sit in zones, has a lot of good points for our guys, too, out in the route game, so it’s good to be with Hop again,”

Godsey said.

Mark Andrews also made a notable reception during team drills, securing a floated pass through contact with Malaki Starks, which brought both to the ground. Andrews emphatically signaled a first down upon rising.

With multiple receivers sidelined or limited, younger players saw increased opportunities. Sixth-round rookie LaJohntay Wester excelled by winning one-on-one battles, scoring a deep touchdown against undrafted rookie Keondre Jackson, and drawing a pass interference penalty. Wester earned a high-five from backup quarterback Cooper Rush for his efforts and also caught a short pass from Rush during team drills.

Charlie Kolar Provides Humor and Stands Up for Mark Andrews

Tight end Charlie Kolar lightened the mood with a humorous story about his offseason workouts, which included attending “powersculpt” classes that he joked were nothing like traditional hot yoga. Kolar described the experience as “crossfit hell” and detailed how he struggled compared to others, saying,

“First of all, NOT yoga. Anything where I am getting screamed at and doing burpees is not yoga. That is crossfit. I have a fundamental issue with calling it ‘yoga,’ and the worst part is I’m sitting there like a beached whale, taking a break every 30 seconds, and this 75-year-old lady next to me is curling my bodyweight while doing it over and over.”

Despite the humor, Kolar took a serious tone when discussing Mark Andrews’ difficult offseason marked by critical mistakes in the Ravens’ season-ending loss to the Buffalo Bills.

“It’s really frustrating. I know people really care about their sports, but to see how terrible some things are being said, I hurt for him, and I see it. He does a really good job of blocking it out and stuff and he’s strong, but some of those things being said is pretty messed up,”

Kolar expressed.

He added,

“We came up short. It sucks. It really sucks. To see the way people reacted to some of that stuff is really disappointing for someone I love and care about so much.”

Implications of Injury and Team Outlook for Upcoming Weeks

Isaiah Likely’s injury and subsequent surgery are significant as the Ravens enter a crucial phase of their training camp preparations. While the roughly six-week absence is not considered a major setback, missing a key tight end will require other players, like Charlie Kolar, to step up and fill the void in the offense.

The defensive unit’s strong performance, particularly from players like Chidobe Awuzie and the front line, offers some optimism for the Ravens as they look to sharpen their pass rush and run defense. Meanwhile, offensive contributors such as DeAndre Hopkins, Mark Andrews, and emerging rookies will continue to battle for consistency and impact.

Head coach John Harbaugh remains cautiously optimistic about the team’s progress despite the heat challenges and injury hurdles. The team will focus on recovery and fine-tuning in the days ahead as they prepare for the upcoming preseason games.