Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter revealed that defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike will not play in Week 1.
The Baltimore Ravens will face off against the Indianapolis Colts to kick off their 2026 season. However, they will do so without the help of defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike.
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter took the podium to address the media and revealed that Madubuike will not play in Week 1. He did offer a clearer timeline for when the defensive tackle will play.
Madubuike suffered a season-ending neck injury two games into the 2025 season, and there was some initial fear that his NFL career would be over. However, he began to work his way back to action following offseason neck surgery.
At the start of training camp, Madubuike was removed from the PUP list, and it was a huge step in the right direction to getting him back to play in the regular season.
After being removed from the PUP list, Madubuike engaged in individual drills but began to hit the tackling sled and engage in team drills toward the end of training camp. Minter even stated earlier this week that he would not rule the Ravens defender out just yet.
Now, that appears to be the case, as Minter and the coaching staff will give him another week to recover.
"Nnamdi's not gonna play this game ... He is really really close. It's been a great process for him to return from the injury he had. I feel great about where he is, but we are not going to play him this week," Minter said.
It is not shocking that Madubuike is being ruled out for this week, as neck injuries can often be tough and can be career-ending for players. The good news is that Minter indicated that he is very close to returning.
The Ravens chose not to place Madubuike on injured reserve to start the season, meaning they believed he would be back to playing within four games. That appears to be the case, despite his not suiting up for Week 1.
There is a strong chance that Madubuike could be back to action in Week 2.
Minter also offered some more injury updates, saying he will see how the rest of the players "shake out."
On the injury report, it has been Madubuike, linebacker Teddye Buchanan, wide receivers Devontez Walker and Zay Flowers.
Flowers was already upgraded to a full participant and will be ready to play. Buchanan and Walker may be the other two that Minter is awaiting to see if they are good to play.
Additionally, defensive tackle Calais Campbell also missed Friday's practice, but Minter indicated that it was just vet rest and that he is "ready to roll."
Having Madubuike would have greatly benefited the defense, but there are plenty of pieces for Minter and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver to work with. There is no need to rush him back, especially after suffering such an injury.
