The Baltimore Ravens’ 2026 training camp got off to an excellent start before they ran a single play.
Star defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, who missed virtually all of last year due to a neck injury, was activated from the physically unable to perform list and jogged out on the field to join his teammates for the first time in more than 10 months. He participated in individual drills and went through some conditioning on a side field, but did not see any full-team work. Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed
after practice that Madubuike passed his physical and would begin a ramp-up process to return to the field.
That sentence was unthinkable months ago. Madubuike’s career seemed to be in jeopardy after he went down in Week 2 last year, and the Ravens declined to comment on his status over the the rest of the season. In the spring, they finally expressed some cautious optimism, which was followed by reports of a second surgery and a positive outlook for the two-time Pro Bowler. He was medically cleared by independent spine and cervical doctors last week, but today’s appearance was still somewhat of a surprise.
“It’s still a process to get ready to play football,” Minter cautioned. “Everybody has a good feeling.” He indicated that the Ravens had a plan and timeline for Madubuike’s ramp-up process, but declined to provide any details.
Other than Baltimore’s coaching overhaul, Madubuike’s return could have the biggest impact on the team out of any offseason move. Their pass rush virtually collapsed in his absence last year. Opposing offensive lines were able to double-team Travis Jones and take their chances against the Ravens’ shorthanded stable of edge rushers. That will not be an option if Madubuike is on the field – not to mention Trey Hendrickson off the edge.
The Ravens will be cautious with the seventh-year defensive lineman. It is far more important that he be available in December and January than for Week 1. But today’s news opens the door to Madubuike playing in Baltimore’s regular-season opener against the Colts on September 13.
This story will be updated with more information.
