Isaiah Likely News

Likely moved up the depth chart with Mark Andrews (coach's decision) sidelined for Week 18. He quickly emerged as Anthony Brown's favorite target, and he showed the ability to capitalize by racking up 7.9 yards per target. The highlights of his performance came on a pair of receptions of 28 and 22 yards, respectively. Andrews will almost certainly be back on the field for Baltimore's wild-card round matchup against the Bengals, though Likely has shown the ability to contribute as the second tight end in the offense.

Likely teamed up with fellow tight end Mark Andrews (9-100-0) to provide nearly all of the Ravens' receiving output Sunday (130 total passing yards). The rookie was the beneficiary of Tyler Huntley's lone passing touchdown, with the veteran taking care of the heavy lifting between the end zones. Likely hasn't topped 18 receiving yards in any of the four games Huntley has started, but he would receive a boost in projections if Lamar Jackson (knee) is able to return from injury to face the Bengals in Sunday's regular season finale.

Likely once again took the backseat to fellow tight end Mark Andrews, as the latter saw 30 more offensive snaps in Week 15 compared to the rookie. With wide receiver Devin Duvernay having suffered a potentially-significant injury during Tuesday's practice, Likely could be more involved in Baltimore's passing game down the stretch if Duvernay indeed misses time. The Ravens are now scheduled to host the Falcons on Saturday.

In fairness to Likely, his chances of producing Sunday were slim with Baltimore starting Tyler Huntley at quarterback and his chances got slimmer the Ravens had to turn to undrafted rookie Anthony Brown to lead the offense. Baltimore attempted 17 passes on the day and only five passes after Huntley (concussion) went out. Likely drew four targets on 18 snaps against Denver in Week 13 with Huntley at the helm for the majority of the game. If the Ravens have to start Brown in Week 15 against Cleveland, it could be a very run-heavy game plan that would not lead to a high volume of opportunities for Likely.

The rookie returned from a one-game absence Sunday and turned in one of his more efficient outings of the season. It marked the third time this season he caught every target. Likely seemed to have a solid rapport with Tyler Huntley after he came in for the injured Lamar Jackson (knee). Still, Mark Andrews, Demarcus Robinson and Devin Duvernay led the team in targets. Baltimore plays at Pittsburgh in Week 14.

The 2022 fourth-rounder was limited Wednesday, but Likely's return to a full practice Thursday puts him in line to suit up Sunday against the Broncos. However, as long as Baltimore's star tight end Mark Andrews is healthy and available, Likely will profile as a hit-or-miss fantasy option.