The Baltimore Ravens have been waiting a long time to see Nnamdi Madubuike back at full speed. The defensive tackle has spent more than a year working his way back from a neck injury, and Wednesday brought the clearest sign yet that his return is getting close.
Madubuike was a full participant in practice for the first time this season, putting himself in position to potentially make his 2026 debut Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro. The Ravens still have to make that call; however, the latest development has given the defense another reason for optimism.
Nnamdi Madubuike Gives Baltimore Ravens Defense A Needed BoostJan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) and safety Kyle Dugger (29) tackle Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesDefensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has watched Madubuike’s return closely throughout the offseason and the early part of the season. After seeing him get through a full practice on Wednesday, Weaver said the veteran looked like the player the Ravens have known for years.
“He looks like the Nnamdi I’ve always known.”
Ravens defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver on the comeback of DT Nnamdi Madubuike, who was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice: “He looks like the Nnamdi I’ve always known.” pic.twitter.com/uQWJ7EFTXp
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 24, 2026
That’s a heavy statement to make, given how long it has been since Madubuike played in any game. He was slowly reintroduced to the team by the Ravens through the training camp.
Madubuike and linebacker Teddye Buchanan both practiced fully on Wednesday. Neither player was placed on injured reserve to begin the season, which left open the possibility that they could return within the first four games. With the Ravens heading to Brazil to face the Cowboys in Week 3, Madubuike has a chance to get back before the Ravens reach Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans.
His return would be another solid addition for the Ravens, considering their quest for more pressure on the opposing quarterback. Madubuike was outstanding, recording 13 sacks in the 2023 season and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. The following year, he was named to the Pro Bowl again, confirming that he is one of the most valuable Ravens on the defensive front.
It is good timing for Baltimore. The Ravens have just lost to the New Orleans Saints because their defense couldn’t close out the game. Their pass rush had failed to generate enough pressure in order to get to the quarterback. Now, the Ravens have to face an even tougher test against Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens of the Dallas offense.
His return would provide the Ravens with another option to disrupt the pocket from the interior, not just from the edge. At the same time, it could help other Ravens players on the defensive front, as they would have to deal with a player who already knows how to cause them problems.
For now, though, the progression is moving in the right direction. After months of waiting, Madubuike finally completed a full practice, and Weaver saw something familiar when he watched him work.
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