Status unknown for two 'Bills killers' leading into Week 1 matchup vs. Ravens

Two players who have played a significant role for the Ravens in their previous matchups against the Bills could be out this Sunday.

Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) upends Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard (42) during the first half of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

While the Buffalo Bills are dealing with their own injuries heading into an upcoming Week 1 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo’s opponent is also a bit banged-up entering the season opener.

Two players who played significant roles for the Ravens during two 2024 matchups with the Bills may be out for this Sunday’s game at Highmark Stadium, including tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) and fullback Patrick Ricard (soft tissue).

Likely was the Ravens’ leading receiver during Buffalo’s Divisional Round win over Baltimore this past January, finishing that game with four receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. He also recorded one reception for 26 yards during a Week 4 win for the Ravens over Buffalo earlier in the year.

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A fractured foot ended his 2025 training camp. Soon after sustaining the injury, he underwent surgery, which required a six-week rehab.

Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) runs the ball after making a catch during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Ricard assumes more of a behind-the-scenes role for the Ravens’ offense, serving as the team’s lead blocker on many of running back Derrick Henry’s rushing attempts. On lead plays, the Ravens have averaged 5.8 yards per rush against the Bills since 2023, per Erik Turner of Cover 1. Baltimore likes to run plenty of outside zone, power and draws while using Ricard as a battering ram of sorts.

The nature of Ricard’s injury remains unclear.

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After the Ravens’ practice on Wednesday, Head Coach John Harbaugh was asked about the status of both players.

On Likely: “He’s done really well. Maybe ahead of schedule, probably. We’ll have to see how that goes moving forward.”

Jun 11, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh speaks after an NFL OTA at Under Armour Performance Center | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Harbaugh evaded a question regarding Ricard.

It remains unclear whether either player will be able to suit up for Baltimore this weekend. Likely hasn’t practiced since late July, and Ricard has been out the past several weeks. 

Elsewhere, cornerback Jaire Alexander, whom the Ravens signed as a free agent this offseason, practiced on Wednesday. As for his status on Sunday, Harbaugh said, “We’ll see.”

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