Ravens' Isaiah Likely fractured foot, out about six weeks

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely will undergo surgery for a small fracture in his foot, which will sideline him for about six weeks, coach John Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday.

If Likely's recovery goes well, the Ravens believe he will return early in the regular season. Baltimore hasn't ruled him out for the Sept. 7 season opener at the Buffalo Bills.

"We got a shot to get him back there right away early," Harbaugh said. "We'll see. And so that's the good news. It was early in camp and it's not one of those major type of deals, but it's something. It's multiple weeks."

Likely suffered the non-contact injury on the final play of Tuesday's practice in a one-on-one drill against safety Sanoussi Kane. He was carted off the field and then limped into the locker room.

Likely, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is scheduled to make $3.4 million this season. A fourth-round pick in 2022, Likely set career highs last season with 42 catches for 477 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

The Ravens have one of the deepest tight end groups in the NFL with Likely, Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar. All three tight ends are scheduled to be free agents after this season.

If Likely misses 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.

"For sure, it's a big opportunity for Charlie," Harbaugh said. "We have all the confidence in the world in Charlie."

Likely and Andrews combined for 17 touchdown catches last season, which were the most by any tight end teammates in the NFL, according to ESPN Research. Andrews caught 11 touchdown passes, and Likely had six.