Nnamdi Madubuike Ravens injury
Nnamdi Madubuike Ravens injury
The Baltimore Ravens defense is close to returning a key addition to the front lines. Continuing a long recovery from his 2025 surgery, DT Nnamdi Madubuike advanced to work in team drills during Thursday’s practice.
Head coach Jesse Minter provided an update.
“He’s progressing really well,” Minter said via the team’s Twitter/X account. “He’s been in a few team reps.”
“He’s progressing really well.” Head Coach Jesse Minter on Nnamdi Madubuike pic.twitter.com/ObJ7nYgmNM
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 3, 2026
It’s a much more positive posture than in early April when Minter seemed unsure if Madubuike would play again.
Madubuike missed nearly all of the 2025 season due to a neck injury. In April, he underwent surgery that effectively saved his career and made a return to football possible. He’ll aim to recapture his peak play in 2023 and 2024, posting 19 combined sacks, two Pro Bowl selections, and a second-team All-Pro appearance.
In nine games against the Steelers, he’s notched 28 tackles, four quarterback hits and a pair of sacks.
Ahead of the 2024 season, the Ravens signed him to a four-year deal just shy of $100 million.
“What that looks like for Week One. I think it’s still a day-to-day thing,” Minter added. “To his credit, we’ve wanted this to be a really smart and proactive approach to get him ready to play football.”
Baltimore figures to be careful with Madubuike coming off such a serious injury. The Ravens slowly increased his workload throughout the season, and seeing partial team reps 10 days shy of the season opener might mean sitting out the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
Should Madubuike suit up, he’s almost certain to be on a snap count. By the time he faces the Pittsburgh Steelers late in the year, those restrictions might be moved.
Still, any snaps he gives the team will bolster Baltimore’s defense and is an accomplishment knowing the injury could’ve ended his career. The Ravens are looking to make strides on defense after finishing 2025 18th in points allowed, 24th in yards, and posting a lowly 30 sacks.
Madubuike will help the cause, as will Minter, who was hired in part due to his sterling reputation as a defensive mind. Minter is one of three new head coaches to the division, joining Cleveland’s Todd Monken and Pittsburgh’s Mike McCarthy.