A member of the Baltimore Ravens defensive line has undergone neck surgery ahead of the 2026 season, creating questions about when he will be able to return to the lineup.
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According to the team website, defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike underwent neck surgery the week before the NFL Draft. The doctors have expressed optimism that he will be able to play during the 2026 season. Though when this happens remains unclear.
Madubuike, 28, sustained the injury in Week 2 of the 2025 season while playing the Cleveland Browns. At the time, it appeared that this could be a career-ending injury, but the situation has since changed. Madubuike has participated in the team's offseason workout program, and Ravens director of strength and conditioning Scott Elliott said that he is in great shape.
I’ve seen all I need to see. Nnamdi Madubuike will be back playing football for the Baltimore Ravens this season, mark my words. pic.twitter.com/ojGoWKbujF
— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) March 17, 2026
A third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Madubuike has been a key contributor. He has delivered 69 quarterback hits in six seasons, along with 30 sacks and 203 combined tackles. He has often taken on two blockers at a time while helping free up other defenders.
His absence became noticeable last season as the Ravens missed the playoffs. The defense ranked 24th overall and the pass defense ranked 30th. The run defense actually ranked 10th.
The Ravens remain optimistic about Madubuike being able to return to the lineup, but the team has also taken steps to provide extra security.
The team first used a seventh-round pick to select defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny out of Michigan, reuniting him with Jesse Minter. The new head coach previously coached defense at the University of Michigan.
The Ravens also announced on May 6 the return of Calais Campbell. The veteran defensive end played for the Ravens from 2020-2022 before heading to Atlanta (2023), Miami (2024), and Arizona (2025). The team long wanted to reunite with Campbell, and they finally achieved this ahead of the 2026 season.
"I would say that Nnamdi's status doesn't really affect us that much in terms of like what we're going to do in the draft at the defensive tackle position," GM Eric DeCosta said ahead of the NFL Draft. "Certainly, we would love to get a young defensive lineman if we can. I think it's important to try and do that every single year if we can. It's an important position.
"We want to get better up front, certainly, on both sides, offense- and defensive-line-wise; it's a priority for us. ... It just depends on how the board falls and who's available at that time."
