Likely to break Buccaneers: Former Chanticleer Isaiah Likely has outstanding NFL performance

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Photo provided by Joey Pulone/Baltimore Ravens Photos

Tight end Isaiah Likely’s first career touchdown in the third quarter.

Isaiah Likely, a former player for the Coastal Carolina University football team, had the best game of his young career in Baltimore’s 27-22 victory over Tampa Bay on Oct. 27.

The Ravens’ star tight end Mark Andrews and leading wide receiver Rashod Bateman were kept from playing in the second half due to injuries. Likely seized the opportunity to step in when the Ravens needed him.

Likely was a standout during training camp and the preseason, and was waiting for a chance to shine during the regular season. The former Chanticleer set career highs in receptions, yards, snaps, and caught his first career touchdown. Likely was targeted seven times for six receptions, 77 yards, and the go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter.

This breakout should create more opportunities for Likely as the season progress. He has received limited snap counts up to this game where he played north of 50% of them.

Likely is a tight end and was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, beginning his post-college career. With nagging injuries to the Ravens receivers and Andrews, Likely could quickly become one of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s favorite targets.