Ravens' DT Nnamdi Madubuike Removed From the PUP List

Following the news that Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike was cleared medically following his neck surgery, he has now been removed from the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. 

The Ravens announced the news formally, and this is a huge step in Madubuike's return to play in 2026. This news does not guarantee the defender will be ready to play by Week 1, but it does confirm that his return is happening.

Madubuike will be monitored and ramped up during training camp to determine where he stands in terms of when he can actually take the field when the regular season starts.

Madubuike suffered a neck injury early in 2025, as he was shut down after Week 2. These types of injuries can often lead to players not only missing a lot of time but ending their careers as well.

The Ravens defense clearly took a step back in 2025, and there is a lot of promise that they can rebound due to Jesse Minter and Anthony Weaver now being in the building. 

With Madubuike returning, this will undoubtedly lead to a resurgence for the pass rush. Trey Hendrickson and Calais Campbell were added, and now all three can band together to create a scary line. 

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter also indicated that linebacker Teddye Buchanan was "farther along" than Madubuike, but he remains on the PUP list. This could mean that the defensive tackle has taken a bigger step in the right direction.

During the 2024 season, Madubuike picked up 6.5 sacks and was a driving force for the Ravens, securing a second-best 54 sacks. 

With the injuries and the loss of Madubuike in 2025, the Baltimore defense brought in a fourth-worst 30 sacks. 

Over the course of multiple weeks and months, both general manager Eric DeCosta and Minter did not want to speak in definitives when it came to Madubuike. However, they both indicated that they were happy with his progress.

The neck surgery was also something to consider and is something that will likely lead to a slower ramp-up. Either way, Madubuike is back on the field and is running drills with the Ravens.

Once the news is released that Buchanan is back, this Baltimore defense will have even more pieces to potentially make some big noise. Granted, the team will still need to band together to ensure they can make it back to the playoffs, but having Madubuike back is a major bonus.