Is Isaiah Likely playing tonight? Ravens TE's status revealed for TNF clash vs Bengals

Isaiah Likely is one of the Baltimore Ravens' main offensive weapons. The Coast Carolina standout is a safety blanket target for Lamar Jackson due to his large frame and underrated catching ability.

Let's examine Likely's availability ahead of the Ravens' game against the Cincinnati Bengals tonight.

Is Isaiah Likely playing tonight?

No, Isaiah Likely is not playing tonight. The Baltimore Ravens have ruled out the TE2 due to a hamstring injury. Likely did not participate in a single training session this week, so it was always going to be an uphill task for him to feature against the Bengals.

Likely will now miss his first game of the 2024 NFL season. It comes after he was targeted just once against the Denver Broncos in Week 9 and failed to make a catch for the first time this season.

Likely's absence will mean an increase in targets for perennial Pro Bowler Mark Andrews, as well as potentially more targets for fresh addition Diontae Johnson. Johnson was not targeted a single time during his debut for the Ravens against the Denver Broncos. He could now capitalize on the absence of a high-caliber pass catcher in Likely and open his account for the AFC powerhouse.

How has Isaiah Likely performed in 2024?

Isaiah Likely has been solid in the 2024 NFL season. Likely is firmly behind Mark Andrews on the tight end depth chart, but that hasn't stopped him from amassing a stat line of 24 receptions, 271 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

According to ESPN, Likely ranks fifth on the team with 24 catches. He led the Ravens in receiving yards in their first game of the season, hauling down 111 receiving yards off nine catches and 11 targets.

Likely will now get some much-needed rest for the hamstring as his teammates face off against the Bengals in a crucial Thursday Night Football game. His earliest return game will be against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11.