Ravens' Isaiah Likely Ankle Injury Shakes Up Fantasy Football Draft Strategy

The Baltimore Ravens' fantasy-relevant tight end situation has become significantly more complex following news that Isaiah Likely rolled his ankle during practice and is expected to miss "a few weeks," according to ESPN's report. This injury, occurring early in training camp, creates substantial ripple effects for fantasy football draft strategy and player valuations heading into the upcoming season.

"We'll know more [Wednesday]. We'll get an MRI and see exactly what needs to be done. It's good it's this early in camp," coach John Harbaugh said.

The timing of this injury fundamentally alters the draft landscape for both Ravens tight ends. Likely was emerging as a popular mid-round target after posting career-high numbers in 2024 with 42 catches for 477 yards and six touchdowns. His absence for several weeks shifts the entire dynamic of Baltimore's passing attack and creates immediate draft strategy implications.

Mark Andrews' Draft Stock Surge

Mark Andrews, who many fantasy managers had been fading due to Likely's rise and concerns about target competition, suddenly becomes a much more attractive draft proposition. Andrews finished 2024 with 55 receptions for 673 yards and 11 touchdowns, showing he can still produce elite numbers when given proper opportunity. With Likely sidelined, Andrews regains his status as the clear primary tight end target in a Ravens offense that has historically supported fantasy-relevant tight end production.

Draft rooms should expect Andrews' average draft position to climb significantly as news of Likely's injury spreads. Fantasy managers who were previously targeting Andrews in the middle rounds may need to be more aggressive, potentially reaching a round earlier than initially planned. His floor becomes much more stable without the target competition that Likely provided throughout 2024.

Isaiah Likely's Diminished Draft Appeal

Likely's injury status creates immediate uncertainty about his fantasy value for the season's opening weeks. The 25-year-old was entering the final year of his rookie contract and scheduled to make $3.4 million this season, positioning him as a potential breakout candidate. His injury history shows relative durability, having missed only two games in his three-year career, but ankle injuries can linger and affect route-running precision.

"If Likely would miss significant time, Kolar would likely have an increased role. Known more for his blocking, Kolar caught nine passes last season for 131 yards and one touchdown."

Fantasy drafters must now weigh the risk of selecting Likely at his projected draft position knowing he may miss the season's opening weeks. This creates a challenging decision point: draft him at full value hoping for a quick return, or let him slide and potentially miss out on mid-season production when he returns to health.

Revised Draft Strategy Considerations

The Ravens' tight end uncertainty extends beyond just these two players, as both Andrews and Likely are scheduled to be free agents after this season. This contract situation adds another layer of motivation for both players when healthy, but also creates questions about long-term roster construction.

Fantasy managers should consider pivoting their late-round tight end targets away from Likely toward other options with clearer early-season availability. Meanwhile, Andrews transforms from a risky pick with uncertain target share to a much safer option with defined role clarity, at least for the season's opening portion.

The injury timing, occurring early in training camp, provides some optimism for Likely's eventual return, but fantasy drafters must account for the reality that tight end injuries can be unpredictable in their recovery timelines.

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