Ravens' Madubuike practices for first time in 10 months, cleared from PUP list
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, 28, practiced for the first time in 10 months on Wednesday after neck surgery, cleared from the physically unable to perform list. He suffered a career-threatening neck injury in Week 2 last season and had surgery in April. The Ravens' defense ranked 24th last season.
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike practiced Wednesday for the first time in 10 months after neck surgery, per ESPN's reporting. The 28-year-old passed his physical and was removed from the physically unable to perform list, clearing the way for participation in Baltimore's first training camp under coach Jesse Minter.
Madubuike suffered a career-threatening neck injury in Week 2 of last season and missed the final 15 games. In April, he underwent neck surgery, with doctors indicating he would be able to resume playing this season, according to ESPN. The Ravens placed him on the PUP list Saturday as a precautionary measure entering training camp.
Madubuike is a critical piece for a Ravens defense that ranked 24th last season and recorded 30 sacks, tied for the second-fewest in franchise history. From the start of 2023 until his injury on Sept. 27, Madubuike logged 21.5 sacks, the most by any NFL defensive tackle during that span, per ESPN's data. His 69 career quarterback hits are the most on the Ravens since 2020.
After his career-high 13 sacks in 2023, Madubuike signed a four-year, $98 million contract with $75.5 million guaranteed. His $22 million salary this season ranks second among all interior defensive linemen, according to ESPN.
Ravens officials signaled optimism about Madubuike's recovery throughout the offseason. On Jan. 30, Madubuike posted "Good news" on social media with a prayer hands emoji. In May, Coach Minter indicated Madubuike was participating in certain portions of the team's offseason workout program and was "trending in the right direction," per ESPN. Madubuike has not spoken to reporters since the injury. Tight end Mark Andrews said Tuesday, per ESPN's reporting, "I know how badly he wants it and how much playing here means to him."
The Ravens added edge rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency, who has 74.5 sacks over the last six seasons. Last season, Baltimore was one of five teams with a pass rush win rate below 30%, according to ESPN Analytics.
Ravens officials were vague about Madubuike's long-term status during the 2025 season, and his health had been among the biggest question marks surrounding the team this offseason.
Madubuike passed his physical Wednesday and was removed from the PUP list, signaling the Ravens' confidence in his recovery from a career-threatening neck injury that sidelined him 15 games last season.
Madubuike's clearance to practice signals the Ravens' internal confidence, but a neck injury's long-term effects remain unknowable at the start of training camp. Watch how quickly his snap count increases once the regular season arrives, and whether he can approach the 21.5-sack pace he held before injury. If re-aggravation occurs or his participation is curtailed during camp, the Ravens' pass rush improvement plans collapse.
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