Baltimore, MD – July 31, 2025
The first week of Ravens camp was supposed to be about momentum — stacking progress, sharpening rhythm, building toward something special. Instead, it’s already about managing loss. And not the emotional kind — the physical one, where a key piece of the offense limps away before the pads even go on.
It happened during a non-contact drill, one of those reps where players are told to go “thud only.” But the damage was done. A sharp cut. A slow rise. Then silence. Coaches paused. Teammates winced. The tight end who was expected to play a major role in Baltimore’s offense this season — suddenly, he’s in a boot and headed for scans.
“It’s not season-ending, but it’s something,” said head coach John Harbaugh, his tone more disappointed than concerned. “We’re hoping for a quick return, but these things take time.”
That “something” turned out to be a small fracture in the foot of Isaiah Likely, a key target in Baltimore’s two-tight end sets. He’s scheduled for surgery this week and is expected to miss several weeks — perhaps more. And while the Ravens remain cautiously optimistic about his Week 1 availability, the offense must now adjust. And someone else has to step forward.
That someone is Charlie Kolar, the third-year tight end whose name has quietly lingered in the shadows — until now. Drafted in 2022, Kolar has spent most of his NFL career learning, healing, and waiting. But in 2024, he started to chip away at that narrative: 151 receiving yards, a touchdown, and his best blocking season yet. Now, opportunity isn’t knocking. It’s breaking down the door.
“Every year, he’s looked more complete,” said tight ends coach George Godsey. “We’re not asking him to be Isaiah. We’re asking him to be himself — and that’s plenty.”
At 6'6", Kolar has always had the frame. But this offseason, he focused on the subtle things — footwork in play-action, sinking hips into blocks, building body control on seam routes. His reps this week haven’t just looked clean. They’ve looked commanding. The huddle doesn’t feel thinner without Likely — it just feels different, quieter, more methodical. It feels like Kolar’s taking ownership.
And maybe, that’s exactly what this Ravens offense needed. Not another flash. Not another headline. Just a steady hand willing to do the work. In Baltimore, that’s how respect is earned — not in what you say, but in how you respond when the plan falls apart. Charlie Kolar just got his shot. And he’s answering with silence, toughness, and routes that speak for themselves.
