The Ravens are heading into Buffalo knowing they will be tested, but few expected the offense to be this thin. With both Isaiah Likely and Patrick Ricard ruled out, Baltimore has had to rethink its game plan. Head coach John Harbaugh has made a quiet but telling roster move that suggests a strategic pivot. And if you’re reading between the lines, it feels like the team may be moving on from Likely, at least for now.

Rather than sticking to the team’s traditional run-heavy blueprint, one that typically leans on Ricard’s physical presence, Baltimore opted for a more flexible approach. The Ravens elevated tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden from the practice squad, positioning him as the next man up to fill the void left by Likely and offer quarterback Lamar Jackson another sizable target in the passing game.

Harbaugh gave a typical coach update on Likely, saying he is “maybe ahead of schedule.” In other words, he’s improving, but it’s unlikely he will play on Sunday. What does Harbaugh do to counter his absence? He elevates a 6’5”, 257-pound tight end off the practice squad.

The Ravens clearly trust him to eat some emergency snaps if needed. The team even pointed out in their release that Zaire basically lived on practice squads last year and only had one preseason grab for 11 yards. Obviously a depth move, but it’s not a bad one.

With Mark Andrews locked in as TE1 (55 catches for 673 yards and 11 TDs in 2024), the Ravens just needed an emergency guy who can block, catch a little, and not blow up the two-TE sets. Andrews is still the go-to red zone weapon, but they want someone who actually knows the system in case things get thin.

Ravens lean on depth as Likely sits out

With Likely and Ricard ruled out, the Ravens elevated tight end Mitchell-Paden instead of fullback Lucas Scott. Though not a fullback, Mitchell-Paden’s size and blocking give Baltimore flexibility in two-TE sets and help cover Ricard’s role without disrupting the offense. Still, fullback Ricard’s absence complicates things.

Ricard played a major role last season, logging about 39% of offensive snaps. He was a key piece in early-down blocking and short-yardage situations. That’s why not elevating fullback Lucas Scott raises eyebrows.

However, Mitchell-Paden can block and run routes when needed, making him a natural fit for Todd Monken and Harbaugh’s two-tight-end sets and physical formations. He helps preserve the offense’s muscle without major changes. Still, the absence of tight end Isaiah Likely, a trusted target with 42 catches, 477 yards, and 6 touchdowns last season, is a tough blow for Baltimore.

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Likely racked up 42 catches, 477 yards, and 6 touchdowns last season. That’s some serious production from a TE2, and you could see Lamar trust him as a safety valve on a bunch of those throws. As for Lamar, he racked up 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns. The passing game was rolling. However, Lamar still has Andrews (55/673/11) and the rest of the weapons to keep this offense moving against the Bills.

Harbaugh and Monken have backup plans, like using two tight ends or mixing in more receivers. But those fixes won’t last forever. They need Likely back soon.