Ravens TE says he's a 'chess piece,' will play all over field

The Ravens quickly learned what life after tight end Mark Andrews could look like after the veteran missed the final six games of the 2023 season due to a cracked fibula and an ankle ligament injury.

However, it might not be as bad as Baltimore originally thought, thanks to third-year tight end Isaiah Likely, who reeled in 21 catches for 322 yards and five touchdowns in Andrews' absence.

The team hopes to have Andrews for all 17 games this year, but if that is the case, Likely is confident his role will continue to grow.

"It's being a chess piece, being anywhere [Todd] 'Monk' needs me to be in this offense — whether it's in the slot, in-line, in the backfield, split out wide by myself," Likely said, via the team's website. "The more you know, the more you can stay on the field."

Likely isn't the only one who believes that, either. Pro Football Focus' Gordon McGuinness named Andrews and Likely the best tight end duo in the league and thinks the Ravens offense will "use two-tight end sets more frequently in 2024."

Baltimore would be smart to do so and Likely knows he doesn't even need to try to convince his coaches after displaying his talents during the second half of last season.

"They watch film. They see it," Likely added. "It's an emphasis for them to try to see what we can do on the field together and harp on the little things so we can get on the field together and make the most of it."

Andrews seems to be all for the idea, too. Likely said they have already talked about being on the field together and that each other's presence will only help the other.

"We talk to the other one and are like, 'Man, that one time we both get to go out there and do this thing together, it's going to be special,'" Likely finished. "Mark's always going to be Mark. He's going draw attention from the defense. So, making plays on my side of the ball just opens up things for everybody."