Wide receiver Zay Flowers missed his first training camp practice on Wednesday, but Head Coach John Harbaugh does not expect the Pro Bowl wide receiver to be out long.
"He and a couple of other guys that you didn't see at all [have] camp-type things that you really just need not go out for a few days on," Harbaugh said. "He'll be back in a few days."
Others who missed practice were tight end Isaiah Likely, who suffered a reported foot fracture late in Tuesday's practice, cornerbacks Jalyn Armour-Davis and Bilhal Kone (shoulder), and rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones (shoulder, non-football injury list).
Harbaugh confirmed Likely will have ankle surgery, and the timeline for his return is Week 1 or early during the regular season.
"We have a shot to get him back there right away, early. We'll see. And so that's the good news," Harbaugh said. "It was early in camp, and it's not one of those major type of deals, but it's something. It's multiple weeks." Harbaugh said Armour-Davis had an MRI that confirmed his injury wouldn't be long-term.
"[He's] in that group of guys [that is] not a serious deal," Harbaugh said. "It's one of the itises. It's not going to be anything that's going to keep him out for a long period of time. He'll be fine."
Charlie Kolar Talks About Filling the Void in Likely's Absence
Likely's injury is unfortunate, but Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar are having strong training camps as part of the NFL's deepest tight end room. Andrews is accustomed to carrying a heavy load and Kolar feels prepared to assume a larger role, coming off his best season as a receiver, blocker, and special teams contributor. He played a career-high 251 offensive snaps last season and finished with nine catches for 151 yards and one touchdown, including a 55-yard reception.
"As I continue to learn the game, I keep seeing ways that I can be better," Kolar said. "In the passing game, taking my opportunities in the play-action game, down the seam, on a cross. Being more efficient in my movements. Spending the offseason trying to become a better athlete, better mover, getting lower in my stance. There's just so many things to keep getting better at."
Tight Ends Coach George Godsey has seen Kolar become a more complete player as he enters his fourth season.
"I think he's one of the smartest players I've ever been around," Godsey said. "He knows everybody's responsibility. He has a very good intuition. We put a lot of pressure on him to go out and play fast. He's putting that all together, and now we've just got to see it for a full four quarters."
Kolar Said Being in Contract Year Won't Be a Distraction
Andrews, Likely, and Kolar are all entering contract years, leaving the Ravens with key decisions to make at tight end. Kolar said he's putting his contract situation on the back burner.
"Obviously, you can't help but sometimes think about it," Kolar said. "A big part of it is, 'What can I control?' I can't control what they do. I can't control worrying about it. All I can control is how I can put my best foot forward so when the time comes to negotiate, I have a really good body of work to show and stand on."
Malaki Starks Takes Some Practice Reps at Cornerback
Malaki Starks has plenty on his plate as a rookie expected to start and make an immediate impact at safety. However, in addition to playing his primary position on Wednesday, Starks took some reps at cornerback.
Versatility is one of Starks' strengths and the Ravens plan to take advantage.
"He's definitely going to be a safety, but we do present the defense in different ways, and also the idea is to help him learn the defense," Harbaugh said. "[He is] a very, very smart player."
