Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks for an open receiver as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (92) attempts to make a tackle during the second quarter at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Baltimore Ravens pulled off one roster change already with the Kansas City Chiefs. Coming ahead of Sunday's NFL roster cutoff deadline too. Yet defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, not offensive lineman Diego Pounds, rose as the big subject per NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
The longtime NFL Network insider shared the “pretty significant” part involving the All-Pro interior defender. Which Ravens ESPN insider Jamison Hensley helped reveal involving the defender.
“Biggest takeaway from Ravens' 53-man roster: Pro Bowl DT Nnamdi Madubuike is on there,” Hensley began via the social media website X, formerly Twitter. “Ravens decide not to put him IR (injured reserve), which means he will be eligible to play in the first four games of the season.”
So looks like new head coach Jesse Minter is banking on Madubuike being healthy for Week 1. Minter's first Ravens team faces the Indianapolis Colts on the road to kickoff the season on Sept. 13.
Except Madubuike still has his NFL Injury concern, as he's dealing with a neck ailment. The veteran originally appeared to be ready to play for Week 5.
Yet now Baltimore looks like it's going to have Madubuike ready to go way beforehand. This rises as a pivotal boost for Minter, as he's a defensive minded coach capable of winning over this veteran-led defense.
Madubuike's absence became greatly felt, though, as the Ravens missed out on clinching a postseason spot. Baltimore eventually severed ties with longtime head coach John Harbaugh in the process, who has since relocated to the New York Giants.