The Baltimore Ravens are awaiting news on whether Nnamdi Madubuike will return, and a new promising update from beat writer Jamison Hensley has been revealed.
One of the aspects of the Baltimore Ravens defense that may or may not work out is the return of defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike. The All-Pro defender suffered a neck injury during Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season and was placed on injured reserve.
The next injury was significant enough to shut him down for the entire season, and the Ravens brass have all been quiet about his potential return. Now, a new update from Baltimore beat writer Jamison Hensley has offered a promising take on the situation.
Madubuike was a force on the line and a big reason why the Ravens' pass rush was as solid as it was in 2024. His 6.5 sacks helped to cultivate opportunities for Kyle Van Noy and the rest of the defense.
In 2025, that all came crashing down, as he suffered a neck injury, which added to the growing list of injuries the team had to deal with during that season. Even in the two games that he appeared in, Madubuike secured two sacks.
With Madubuike out, Van Noy became less prominent, as did the rest of the pass rush. Getting the All-Pro defensive tackle back in the lineup would be huge, especially given the addition of Trey Hendrickson.
According to Ravens beat writer Jamison Hensley, the promise of Madubuike returning has received a much more promising update.
" At defensive tackle, there has been growing optimism that two-time Pro Bowl player Nnamdi Madubuike will return from his neck injury," Hensley wrote.
There have been multiple videos emerging online of Madubuike training, which already point to some steep optimism. However, Hensley's new report on the matter should offer more hope that he may return in 2026.
Neck injuries can be tricky, and there have been plenty of NFL players who have had to step away from football due to them. Granted, not every neck injury is the same, but Madubuike could have fallen into the career-ending statistic.
Having Madubuike back, especially with defensive minds in head coach Jesse Minter and the return of Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator, would be a huge boost.
The Ravens have a big need on the defensive line, and Madubuike not returning could lead the team to have to draft more talent at the position. His return would mean an instant starter.
Baltimore is likely to still draft talent at the position, but they could look deeper in the draft for a defensive tackle instead of having to replace Madubuike if the does not return.