The Baltimore Ravens evened their record at 1-1 in the 2025 NFL campaign after dismantling Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns 41-17 in Week 2. Lamar Jackson was sharp in that victory, finishing with 225 passing yards and four touchdown throws. Now, the focus shifts to Week 3, where Jackson and company will clash with Jared Goff’s Detroit Lions under the bright lights of Monday Night Football.
Baltimore has already had to navigate through adversity this season. During training camp, promising tight end Isaiah Likely went down with a fractured foot, which sidelined him for the team’s first two contests. In his absence, veteran Mark Andrews has continued to start, but his production has been minimal, registering just two receptions for seven yards so far.
Likely has built a strong connection with Jackson in recent years, highlighted by his 2024 campaign where he posted 42 catches, 477 yards, and six touchdowns. Given Andrews’ slow start at age 30, the Ravens were hoping to get Likely back into the mix quickly.
The second-year tight end returned to practice on Sept. 12 and participated in limited fashion throughout the week, creating some optimism that he might suit up against Detroit. However, that hope was dashed on Saturday when the Ravens officially ruled him out for Week 3.
Baltimore’s injury issues extend beyond Likely. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), fullback Patrick Ricard (calf), and linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) have also been declared unavailable for Monday’s matchup.
“Ravens ruled out TE Isaiah Likely for Monday night’s game vs. the Lions,” reported ESPN’s Adam Schefter on X.
While Andrews still put together respectable numbers in 2024—55 catches, 673 yards, and 11 touchdowns—his inconsistency left room for criticism. Having Likely in the lineup again would give Jackson another trusted weapon, and the Ravens offense could certainly use the extra boost.
Kickoff between the Ravens and Lions is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
