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John Harbaugh Refuses to Address Ravens’ Injury Concerns

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 2:06 PM ET

The Baltimore Ravens opened their final week of preparation for Sunday night’s season opener against the Buffalo Bills with two of their important short-yardage and blocking pieces absent from practice: tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) and fullback Patrick Ricard (calf).

Likely suffered a small foot fracture late in July during a training camp session and underwent surgery shortly thereafter. The team kept him off injured reserve, signaling a shorter-term absence and optimism for an early-season return, but he has not practiced this week.

Ricard, meanwhile, has been out since Aug. 14 with a calf issue and remained a non-participant throughout the week. His practice absence has stretched multiple weeks and without a midweek ramp-up, Week 1 availability is in doubt.

While there was some optimism surrounding a potential return, coach John Harbaugh declined to give detailed updates on either player on Friday, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he would not comment on the injuries to TE Isaiah Likely (foot) and FB Patrick Ricard (calf). Both haven’t practiced all week. Injury report will come out later this afternoon.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 5, 2025

Role, Production and Why Their Absences Matter

Likely set career highs last season with 42 receptions, 477 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’s the Ravens’ most experienced tight end behind Mark Andrews and a featured piece in 12 personnel, where Baltimore layers play-action and option elements off its downhill run game.

Without Likely, the offense can still mirror formations with Andrews plus backup Charlie Kolar, but it loses some vertical and after-the-catch juice.

Ricard is a five-time Pro Bowler and earned a first-team All Pro nod for the first time in his career last season as arguably the best fullback in the NFL.

Ricard’s snaps are a force multiplier in Todd Monken–style run concepts, adding a lead blocker who also anchors short-yardage, screen setups and pass protection. While Baltimore can pivot to heavier tight end sets, Ricard’s skillset will be difficult to replace.

Both Likely and Ricard affect how Baltimore dictates personnel and tempo. If one or both are out against Buffalo, expect the Ravens to spread the field more and lean on Andrews in the middle.

As of Friday, both players have trended away from Week 1, with the official injury report listing their game status as "Unspecified," while the Ravens keep their cards close.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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