Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is expected to return this season despite fears that he suffered a career-ending neck injury last year.
Madubuike was placed on injured reserve before Baltimore’s Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs back in September, having developed symptoms of a worrying neck problem after their Week 2 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The team was unsure when it first occurred.
The nature of his problem sparked fears that he could be forced into an early retirement at 28, with then-coach John Harbaugh admitting: ‘I would say I am concerned about it.’
Seven months after showing symptoms, Madubuike has finally undergone surgery on his neck injury – and it reportedly proved a success.
In a major boost for both the player and his team, doctors now believe he will be able to resume playing in the 2026 season after the op, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Madubuike is in the third year of a four-year, $98million contract in Baltimore which includes $75.5m guaranteed, making him one of the most expensive defensive tackles in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is expected to return this season
The former Texas A&M star was selected by the Ravens in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft (71st overall) and has since registered 203 tackles and 30 sacks in 78 regular-season outings.
When healthy, he has proven himself one of the best interior pass rushers in the league. Before his injury Madubuike’s 21.5 sacks since the start of the 2023 season were the most by a defensive tackle in that time span.
He had also played in 55 straight games for Baltimore before sustaining the career-threatening neck injury.
The Ravens defense also suffered greatly in his absence, ranking inside the top 10 for most net yards allowed per game, 13th for most rushing touchdowns allowed and the joint-second most passing yards allowed.
