Latest news with #Ravens
USA Today
2 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Isaiah Likely injury update: Ravens TE has foot fracture, could return by Week 1
If Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely had to choose a day to suffer an injury, Tuesday would not have been his worst choice. During the Ravens' practice on Tuesday, July 29, Likely was carted off the field after sustaining an injury during a one-on-one rep with safety Sanoussi Kane, The Athletic reported. On Wednesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Fowler had suffered "a small foot fracture." According to Fowler, the timing – and relative lack of severity – of Likely's injury means that he could be on track to return to action before Week 1. Baltimore begins the 2025 season as the first "Sunday Night Football" matchup of the year. They'll face the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 in a rematch of the teams' clash in an AFC divisional round game. Likely had a career-best year in 2024 with his 42 catches, 477 receiving yards and six touchdowns, though he still played second fiddle to Mark Andrews' leading role at the position. LAMAR JACKSON: Ravens QB Lamar and the Super Bowl: 'It's on his heart. It's on his mind.' Isaiah Likely injury update ESPN reported that Likely fractured his foot during Tuesday's practice. The report also included a potential timeline for Likely's recovery, as Fowler wrote on the social media site X that he could return in time for Week 1 action. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday that Likely "rolled his ankle" and that it was a significant enough injury that the young tight end would miss a few weeks. Further tests revealed the small fracture in Likely's foot. MARK ANDREWS: Baltimore Ravens TE hosts camp for athletes with diabetes Ravens TE depth chart Likely is one of five tight ends on the Ravens' expanded training camp roster. Here's who fills out the rest of the team's depth chart at the position: Andrews is still the leading tight end in Baltimore's offense, though Likely has put up increasingly productive numbers in each successive year in his career – 373 yards as a rookie in 2022, 411 in 2023, then a career-high 477 in 2024. Kolar was in the same rookie class as Likely, with the Ravens drafting him just 11 picks before his fellow fourth-year tight end. Baltimore has largely deployed Kolar as a blocker – more than 80% of his 285 offensive snaps were as a blocker, according to Pro Football Focus – though he did have a career-high 131 yards on nine catches last year. Mitchell-Paden joined the Ravens' practice squad last September and re-signed with the team on a reserve/futures contract in January. Pitz was an undrafted free agent pickup out of the University of Minnesota Duluth.
USA Today
3 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Kyle Hamilton offers high praise for two of the Ravens' young but talented defensive backs
Kyle Hamilton sees something special in two of his Ravens teammates. Here's a confession. Though there were plenty of talented players hanging out in the green room during the 2022 NFL Draft, it was apparent early that Kyle Hamilton was the guy the Baltimore Ravens needed to select. As things began to unfold and we neared Eric DeCosta and company being placed on the clock, there was only one potential roadblock. What might the Philadelphia Eagles do one slot ahead of the Ravens at 13? It felt like Philly might go the way of taking Hamilton or interior defender Jordan Davis. The latter felt like more of a Howie Roseman selection. The Eagles never take safeties in Round 1, seemingly. The guess was correct. Philadelphia scribbled Davis's name on a draft card, leaving the door open for Baltimore to get their guy. He was the right choice. Hamilton was added with the 14th selection. They landed Tyler Linderbaum in the first round as well. Tyler Smith was a sure thing at offensive tackle, but it seemed feasible to ignore him. Jahan Dotson was the exciting young shifty wide receiver, or that's what we thought at the time. Trent McDuffie was an exciting cornerback, but knowing what we know now, Hamilton was the perfect choice. Just look at how things have transpired since his arrival. Only three players selected before Hamilton have been voted onto Pro Bowl rosters: Aidan Hutchinson, Derek Stingley, and Sauce Gardner. They were taken second, third, and fourth overall, respectively. Davis has yet to make a Pro Bowl. Hamilton has been named a Pro Bowler twice (2023, 2024). He was named a First-Team All-Pro in 2023 and a Second-Team All-Pro in 2024. Don't look now, but he's now one of the veteran leaders and one of the secondary's elder statesmen. Kyle Hamilton offers elite praise to two of his fellow stars in the Ravens' secondary The Ravens' secondary is expected to take off in 2025. That should be the expectation. Since taking Hamilton in 2022, Baltimore has selected two other defensive backs in the two drafts since then. Zay Flowers was taken 22nd in 2023. Nate Wiggins was taken 30th in 2024. Malaki Starks was the prize at 27 this past April. Kyle Hamilton addressed the Baltimore media after a recent Ravens practice session. He was very complimentary of his teammates in Chuck Pagano's secondary. '(Starks) does amazing stuff without even trying, and he probably doesn't even know that he's doing it. I think he knows the playbook more than I did (when I first entered the league). He's confident out there. He's talking. He's just so willing to learn and be a sponge, and it's very admirable for somebody his age.' That's high praise for the rookie. 'I think he is going to be one of the best in the league. He's competing at a high level. Super excited to see what he does in year two, and I think he's probably gonna have one of the bigger jumps from last year to this year than anybody on the team.' This is going to be fun. Chuck Pagano has come home with unfinished business on his mind. He, Zachary Orr, and John Harbaugh have the talent to get to football's biggest game and win it all. Don't forget this secondary also features All-Pro Marlon Humphrey and newly acquired Jaire Alexander. There are no concerns about the Ravens' offense. Now, this team has the defensive firepower to be equally as frightening. It's hard to avoid the temptation to be excited about a Ravens team that could potentially be a juggernaut all season long in a very competitive American Football Conference.
New York Times
16 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Ravens TE Isaiah Likely goes down with ankle injury, marring spirited practice
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely went down with an ankle injury on one of the final plays of Tuesday's session and was carted off the field, which marred an otherwise spirited practice. Likely was hurt while being matched up with safety Sanoussi Kane in a one-on-one portion of practice. He was in visible pain as he limped into the locker room. Advertisement Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after practice that Likely rolled his ankle and would get an MRI on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury. 'We'll know more tomorrow,' Harbaugh said. 'It's going to be a few weeks, though. He rolled his ankle — the foot area. So, we'll get an MRI tomorrow and see exactly what needs to be done, but it'll be a few weeks. It's good that it's this early in camp.' It's a difficult start heading into a 'contract year' for Likely, who is considered an ascending player after he caught 42 passes for 477 yards and six touchdowns last season. The Ravens have interest in extending the 2026 free agent, but there have been no indications that a deal is close. With Likely, Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar, the Ravens have arguably the best tight end group in the league. They have the tight ends and wide receivers to compensate for Likely's absence in the short term. However, it would be a significant blow to the team if he were forced to miss a lot of regular-season time. Likely's speed and pass-catching ability create mismatches, and his rapport with quarterback Lamar Jackson has grown yearly. The Ravens made an interesting hire this offseason, bringing in longtime NFL referee Tony Michalek, who retired following the 2024 season after 23 years as an umpire. Michalek has been with the Ravens throughout training camp. Baltimore was among the league leaders in penalties last year, and the coaching staff has prioritized fixing that heading into the upcoming season. The addition of Michalek is part of that focus. He'll help the team out during the season with rules interpretations and penalty explanations, and he'll be a sounding board for players and the coaching staff. Michalek has been keeping a particularly close eye on Baltimore's kicking operation during camp. Advertisement Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott made a similar move last year, bringing in longtime NFL referee John Parry. In one two-play sequence on Tuesday, Ravens rookie outside linebacker Mike Green chased down a running play on the backside and then beat rookie tackle Carson Vinson inside to put pressure on quarterback Cooper Rush. There have been plays in every practice where Green shows why he was widely considered one of the most skilled pass rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft. There are also plays where Green reminds you he's still a rookie with much to learn. On Monday, he was sucked inside on a few plays and knocked to the ground by Vinson on another. 'Mike is earning his stripes,' pass rush coach Chuck Smith said after Tuesday's practice. 'Mike's a rookie, so Mike has to play his position, get in line like any other rookie. But Mike is going out there, competing at a high level. Mike can rush. Mike is strong at the point of attack on the run. What I like most about Mike is he just gives great effort.' Ravens coaches in recent days have been measured about Green, and the reminders that he is still a rookie have come often. However, it's undeniable that he's looked like a different player since the pads came on. 'He's taking his lumps, but he's also giving out his lumps,' Smith said. 'I don't think he was overwhelmed.' • Ravens second-year receiver Devontez Walker continues to look like Baltimore's most improved player since last season. He's followed up a strong offseason by seemingly making a few plays in every practice. His productive Tuesday afternoon included catching a touchdown from Rush over cornerback Nate Wiggins in the back of the end zone, corralling a short touchdown throw from Jackson in a red zone drill and making a difficult sliding catch in front of first-round safety Malaki Starks. Walker, a 2024 fourth-round pick, had just one catch, a 21-yard touchdown against the New York Giants, in his rookie season. The Ravens' top three receivers are pretty much set with Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins, but Walker could push for playing time. Have a day @DevontezWalker — Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 29, 2025 • The Ravens and every other NFL team have a non-negotiable rule in training camp: you do not hit the quarterback. Baltimore's defense certainly understands not to make contact with Jackson, as the consequences would be significant. But Starks and Wiggins were probably too cautious around the quarterback on Tuesday, and it cost the defense an 80-yard touchdown run. During a team drill, Starks and Wiggins were in position to make a play on a scrambling Jackson, but they both pulled up so as not to make any contact with the quarterback. Meanwhile, Jackson never stopped running, somersaulting into the end zone to the delight of the crowd. While Andrews and left tackle Ronnie Stanley ran downfield to celebrate with Jackson, several defenders argued with Harbaugh that the play should have been blown dead. Safety Kyle Hamilton was the most vocal dissenter. Harbaugh ultimately walked over to the defensive sideline to provide an explanation. 'We're obviously not going to tackle Lamar,' a smiling Harbaugh said after the workout. 'That's not going to be part of the plan.' .@Lj_era8's TD run was so good even Jaire celebrated 😂😂 — Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 29, 2025 • In pads for a second straight day, several Ravens defenders did hit teammates. Kane dropped a shoulder into running back Marcus Major just as the rookie was heading out of bounds. Major crashed into the temporary fence set up next to the field. Safety Beau Brade also delivered a hard hit on running back Keaton Mitchell, who has been the recipient of a few physical tackles since the pads came on. • With middle linebacker Roquan Smith blitzing through the A gap, Jackson took a step to his right and lofted a throw in the direction of a well-covered Hopkins. Hopkins made a one-handed snag. It didn't produce many yards, but it was fun to watch nonetheless. • Roquan Smith was all over the field early in the practice. He came in untouched on a few plays, knocked Derrick Henry down on one blitz and blew up a screen pass to Justice Hill. Smith said he focused on taking care of his body and getting into better shape this offseason. It's been noticeable in training camp. Advertisement • It was John Hoyland's day to kick with Tyler Loop getting the day off. The rookie out of Wyoming went 5-of-6 on field goal attempts, with his long coming from 48 yards and his miss coming from 51. • Bateman (illness) and cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee drained) returned to practice after missing Monday's session. Jackson tested Alexander, his ex-Louisville teammate, on the first play of full-team work. Alexander forced an incompletion while matched up against Walker. The only Ravens on the active roster not practicing were wide receiver Keith Kirkwood and cornerbacks Bilhal Kone (shoulder) and Jalyn Armour-Davis. Armour-Davis was injured early in Monday's practice and had an MRI, but Harbaugh wasn't aware of the results when he spoke to reporters following Tuesday's workout.
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens hire NFL referee Tony Michalek to work with the team on rules interpretations
The Ravens have hired longtime NFL referee/umpire Tony Michalek to work with the team and help out with rules interpretations/penalty explanations, and prevention, Jeff Zrebiec reports. Baltimore was one of the most penalized teams in the NFL last season, and with John Harbaugh looking to be more efficient, the Ravens have hired longtime NFL referee/umpire Tony Michalek to work with the team and help out with rules interpretations/penalty explanations, and prevention, Jeff Zrebiec reports. Michalek has been with the team throughout training camp. According to Sharp Football Analysis, the Ravens finished the 2024 season ranking fourth in penalties per game average. Baltimore's per-game average declined in the second half of the season, and hiring Michalek could be a part of the carryover from the improvement. The move is similar to what the Buffalo Bills did in hiring John Parry last year. According to Football Zebras, Michalek retired from the NFL back in April after 23 seasons as an umpire. He wore number 115 his entire career, serving on crews led by Gerry Austin, Bill Carollo, Bill Vinovich, John Parry, Gene Steratore, Ron Winter, Jerome Boger, John Hussey, Brad Rogers, and Tra Blake. During his career, he worked 12 playoff games – three wild card games, six divisional playoffs, two conference championship games, and Super Bowl XLII.
Reuters
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Ravens TE Isaiah Likely (ankle) out 'a few weeks'
July 29 - Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely injured his ankle near the end of practice on Tuesday and will be out "a few weeks," coach John Harbaugh said. "We'll know more tomorrow. It's going to be a few weeks, though," Harbaugh said. "(Likely) rolled his ankle, foot area. We'll get an MRI tomorrow and see exactly what needs to be done. But it'll be a few weeks. It's good that it's this early in camp." Likely, 25, played in 16 regular-season games (nine starts) last season and caught 42 of 58 targets for 477 yards and six touchdowns. He also had seven receptions on nine targets for 126 yards and one TD in two playoff games last season. He has 108 career receptions for 1,261 yards and 14 touchdowns in 49 regular-season games (19 starts), and another 11 catches for 176 yards and two scores in five postseason games (one start). The Ravens selected Likely in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Coastal Carolina. --Field Level Media
