The Baltimore Ravens could receive a significant boost Sundaywhen they face the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil. Defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike continues trending in the right direction after participating fully in practice this week.
While his availability remains uncertain, the tone of his comments Thursday suggested he is getting closer to returning to game action. He spoke with the media. When asked about his progress, Madubuike repeatedly stressed that he feels good physically.
"I feel great. Getting in the swing of things and just getting my repetitions in while I am out there with the guys and getting timing in with Trey Hendrickson and Mike [Green], 'T-Rob' [Tavius Robinson] — all those guys. It feels good. I'm getting better every day."
Much of the attention surrounding Madubuike's recovery has focused on his health. The veteran, however, revealed something else has become equally important during his return process.
Rebuilding chemistry has become the priority.
Madubuike repeatedly referenced timing and chemistry with Baltimore's defensive front when discussing his return. In fact, he mentioned working alongside Hendrickson, Green, Tavius Robinson, Calais Campbell and Travis Jones multiple times during his media session. Madubuike explained that while he had previously been participating in practices, he hadn't consistently received the repetitions needed to rebuild that on-field chemistry.
"Oh man, it was great. This week I am getting really in the reps. [I'm] really getting my timing right with Trey [Hendrickson], getting my timing right with 'T-Rob' [Tavius Robinson], Mike [Green], all those guys, even with Calais [Campbell], with 'Trav' [Travis Jones]... I just was not getting those timing reps with the guys, which are going to be important on Sunday."
That distinction is notable. Madubuike no longer sounds like a player focused solely on recovering from an injury. Instead, he sounds like someone trying to reintegrate himself into a defense that has already played two regular-season games without him. The two-time Pro Bowler also offered insight into Baltimore's new defensive system.
Nnamdi Madubuike is feeling more comfortable in Jesse Minter's defense
The veteran also discussed Jesse Minter's defense. It demands a greater level of communication and detail than what players experienced previously.
"It is way more detailed. You have to ask a lot more questions, which is great. We are all students of the game. We all want to just learn and be the best that we can be for the team."
The defensive lineman added that the increased communication has helped build camaraderie throughout the unit as players continue learning the system together. Whether Madubuike ultimately suits up against the Dallas Cowboysremains to be seen. He described himself as being "in the ballpark" and said he is taking the process one day at a time.
What is clear, however, is that his focus has expanded beyond simply getting healthy. Madubuike is working to regain timing, rhythm, and chemistry with his teammates. If those pieces continue falling into place, the Ravens could soon welcome back one of the defense's most important difference-makers.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens' Nnamdi Madubuike focused on timing ahead of his potential return
