Lamar Jackson Loses Key Weapon Just Before Lions Game
Lamar Jackson was riding high after torching the Browns in Week 2 tossing 4 touchdowns and racking up 225 yards like it was nothing. The Ravens bounced back big to even their record at 1-1, and everything was looking up heading into their primetime clash with the Lions on Monday Night Football.
But now? Bad news.
Right when Baltimore thought it might be getting one of its top weapons back tight end Isaiah Likely the team got hit with another setback. Likely, who’s been recovering from a broken foot he suffered during training camp, was this close to making his return. He even practiced throughout the week, albeit in limited fashion.
Then came the Saturday update: Likely’s officially out for Week 3.
That’s a tough break for Lamar, who’s already dealing with a thin tight end room. Mark Andrews is still the guy for now, but he’s off to a slow start this season (just 2 catches for 7 yards). At 30 years old, Andrews hasn’t looked like his usual Pro Bowl self, and the Ravens were hoping Likely who had a breakout season in 2024 could give them some juice on offense.
But now, Jackson will have to go into Monday’s game without:
* TE Isaiah Likely (foot)
* DT Nnamdi Madubuike (neck)
* FB Patrick Ricard (calf)
* LB Kyle Van Noy (hamstring)
That’s four key players out, including two starters on defense and one of Lamar’s favorite safety valves in the passing game.
For what it’s worth, Likely had 42 catches, 477 yards, and 6 TDs last season, proving he can be a real difference-maker when healthy. His return would’ve been a big boost, especially with Andrews not at 100%.
Still, it’s Lamar. He’s electric. And with the bright lights of Monday Night Football waiting, don’t expect him to back down.
Kickoff vs. the Lions is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
