Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar #88
In a tough blow for the Baltimore Ravens, tight end Charlie Kolar is set to miss at least four weeks after suffering a broken arm during Monday night’s 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero first reported the injury, which occurred early in the fourth quarter of a game in which the Ravens were already up comfortably.
Despite the severity of the injury, Kolar, a third-year pro from Iowa State, showed remarkable toughness by finishing the game before heading to the locker room for X-rays. If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Kolar, it’s that the guy doesn’t back down from a challenge—literally. The Ravens’ offense will certainly feel the absence of his grit and versatility in the weeks to come.
A Steady Contributor, Kolar’s Role on the Offense Was Growing
Kolar, who has primarily been used as a blocking tight end throughout his career, had quietly started to make strides as a receiver this season. The 2022 third-round pick had been putting together his best campaign yet, with 9 receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown through the first 11 games. While not the flashiest of stats, Kolar’s contributions were invaluable, especially in the Ravens’ dynamic offense, where tight ends are often a focal point both in the passing game and as key blockers in the running game.
On Monday night, Kolar played a season-high 32 snaps on offense and an additional 22 snaps on special teams. He finished with one reception for six yards, a modest contribution but a testament to his growing role in the offense. Ravens fans, and the coaching staff, had begun to see Kolar’s potential as a legitimate weapon in the passing game, and now they’ll have to find a way to navigate his absence.
How the Ravens Will Adjust
While Kolar’s injury is a setback, it’s far from a devastating one. The Ravens are fortunate to have arguably the best tight end in the league in Mark Andrews, who has been a focal point of the offense since his rookie season in 2018. Behind Andrews, second-year tight end Isaiah Likely has emerged as a reliable option as well. Likely’s development has been crucial, as he provides both receiving and blocking capabilities, making him a natural candidate to step up in Kolar’s absence.
Additionally, the Ravens can turn to fullback Patrick Ricard in more of a tight end role if needed. Ricard, known for his size and physicality, is a Swiss army knife for the Ravens’ offense. While not a traditional receiving threat, Ricard can provide solid blocking support, and his presence on the field gives offensive coordinator Todd Monken additional flexibility to keep the run game effective.
The Road Ahead: Ravens Face Eagles Next
The timing of Kolar’s injury is unfortunate, as the Ravens now shift their focus to a huge Week 13 matchup with the NFC-leading Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles (9-1) have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, with a dynamic offense led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and a defense that can stifle any opponent. For Baltimore, their offensive line, running game, and passing attack will all need to be firing on all cylinders to come away with a win, especially without Kolar in the mix.
Losing a player like Kolar, who brings both physicality and emerging receiving ability, isn’t ideal—but the Ravens have the depth and the pieces to overcome it. Andrews, Likely, Ricard, and even rookie tight end James Perche are all capable of filling in to varying degrees, but it will be crucial for Baltimore to find a way to keep the offense balanced and dynamic without missing a beat.
The Ravens have proven they can adapt to adversity, and this injury will be another test of their resilience as they pursue a playoff spot. The offense, led by Lamar Jackson, has plenty of weapons to work with. However, Kolar’s absence will certainly be felt in a big way as the Ravens continue their push for a strong finish to the regular season.
