At the Baltimore Ravens’ training facility in Owings Mills, Md., tight end Charlie Kolar has emerged as a key contributor during Isaiah Likely’s recovery from a small foot fracture. With Likely sidelined, Kolar has taken on significant first-team reps, demonstrating his ability to fill the void both as a receiver and blocker in practice sessions leading up to the season opener.

The Isaiah Likely injury impact has created an opportunity for Kolar to prove his capabilities. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson praised Kolar’s progress, noting his blend of skills reminiscent of both Mark Andrews and Likely. Jackson said,

“Charlie is getting a great feel for the game. He’s looking like a little Mark and a little Isaiah out there, in his own way. He’s coming along great.”

Kolar’s Growth Shines in Blocking and Receiving Duties

Head coach John Harbaugh highlighted Kolar’s transformation, pointing out his unexpected development as a blocker. While Kolar was primarily a receiver at Iowa State with minimal blocking experience, he has become a reliable presence in run-blocking schemes. Harbaugh remarked,

“Charlie came in as a receiver. That’s the interesting thing. And I do think he’s grown as a receiver, also, but probably his biggest growth came as a blocker. He never blocked, I don’t think—maybe one time—at Iowa State. Now, he’s kind of known as a blocker, and yet he had two or three big, huge, passing play catches today.”

This balanced skill set is crucial for the Ravens, who rely heavily on their tight ends in both the passing and running games. In the 2023 NFL season, Baltimore employed two tight ends on the field for nearly half of their offensive plays—45%—the highest rate across the league. This strategy demands versatility, as tight ends must contribute significantly to blocking assignments, especially with a run-heavy offense featuring stars like Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson.

Ravens Tight Ends Among NFL’s Best in Blocking

According to Pro Football Focus, Mark Andrews ranked fourth among tight ends last season in blocking grades, with Likely and Kolar also placing within the top 20. Given this, blocking ability is a non-negotiable for any tight end seeking playing time on Baltimore’s roster. Tight ends coach George Godsey praised Kolar’s football intelligence and adaptability, emphasizing his understanding of responsibilities and defensive reads. Godsey said,

“I think Charlie is one of the smartest players that I’ve been around. He knows everybody’s responsibility. He knows what play is next on [offensive coordinator Todd] Monken’s sheet. He has a very good intuition, defensively, of what’s going on. So, we put a lot of pressure on him to go out there, react and to play fast, too. So, he’s putting that all together.”

Mark Andrews Continues to Impress in Red Zone

While Kolar is seizing his opportunity, Andrews remains a key offensive weapon during camp, particularly in scoring situations. Following a 2023 season where he led all tight ends with 11 touchdown catches, Andrews showcased his red zone prowess against the Indianapolis Colts in joint practice sessions. His ability to separate from defenders and catch contested passes under pressure was on full display.

Jackson highlighted Andrews’ instincts, especially near the goal line, saying,

“I believe his feel for the game [helps him in the red zone]. His feel for where he is on the field and the routes we have going on. He got a great eye for the defense.”

Encouraging Signs as Ravens Prepare for Season Opener

The practice sessions have been a proving ground for Kolar, who impressed even during one-on-one drills with third-string quarterback Devin Leary. His catches have drawn audible encouragement from teammates, including Likely, who watched from the sidelines with a smile.

Though Likely’s six-week rehabilitation timeline keeps his availability uncertain for Baltimore‘s Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, the Ravens have demonstrated confidence in Kolar’s ability to contribute in multiple facets. This tight end depth offers Baltimore a reliable foundation as they aim to sustain their high-powered offense throughout the season.

With Kolar’s rapid development complementing Andrews’ established excellence, Baltimore’s tight end group is positioned to remain a formidable element of their offensive attack, regardless of Likely’s status when the regular season begins.