The mystery over when Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike will play football again took another turn on Saturday when the Ravens put him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to start training camp.
“Ravens placed Pro Bowl DT Nnamdi Madubuike on the Physically Unable to Perform list,” ESPN’s Jamison Hensley wrote on X on Saturday. “Madubuike missed the last 15 games with a neck injury and had surgery in April.”
“Ravens placed six players on the physically unable to perform list ahead of training camp’s opening, including DL Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones and John Jenkins,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on Saturday. “Madubuike is recovering from a career-threatening neck injury that has sidelined him since Week 2 last year, but the Ravens are optimistic that he can return this season.”
Ravens rookies reported to training camp on Friday. Veterans report on Tuesday.
According to 1 report, Madubuike could be back sooner than later.
“Ravens placed DL Nnamdi Madubuike on acting PUP list, but the good news is he’s been cleared by independent spine and cervical doctors to return to field, per sources,” The Athletic’s Jeff Zrbiec wrote on X on Saturday. “He’s on PUP to get reacclimated and for team to evaluate conditioning. He could practice as early as next week. Madubuike, who missed all but two games last year, has been determined to return. Ravens first practice is next Wednesday. Things are in good place after many months of uncertainty about his future.”
Madubuike, when he’s healthy, has been 1 of the NFL’s elite interior defensive linemen — and 1 of the highest paid. He signed a 4-year, $98 million contract extension with the Ravens before the 2024 season.
Madubuike’s Status ‘Biggest Question’ for Ravens
The Ravens are 1 team with Madubuike in the fold and an entirely different team without him. He’s that good, and it doesn’t matter how the Ravens spin it; another player his caliber just isn’t available to them.
But the Ravens can adapt if they know Madubuike isn’t going to be around for another year — or ever again — after he missed 15 games in 2025 with a severe neck injury. That’s why they hired new head coach and former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrbiec singled out whether or not Madubuike gets medically cleared to play as the biggest question facing the Ravens headed into 2026.
“Madubuike’s 2025 season ended after just two weeks, when he sustained a neck injury that jeopardized his career,” Zrbiec wrote on July 2. “The Ravens have repeatedly declined to discuss Madubuike’s future and the 28-year-old hasn’t addressed it publicly either. What we do know is that Madubuike had neck surgery in April and team officials are speaking in somewhat optimistic tones about the two-time Pro Bowl DT’s recovery. Head coach Jesse Minter said Madubuike’s status will ‘clear itself up.’ If Madubuike returns and has no restrictions, he’ll be as impactful of an addition as the Ravens could have made this offseason.”
Ravens Signed $112M Free Agent Edge Rusher
The Ravens made some huge moves to improve their defensive front in 2026 after the loss of Madubuike and injuries that cost quarterback Lamar Jackson 5 games in 2025 were the 2 main factors that sent Baltimore from Super Bowl contenders in the preseason to missing the postseason for the 1st time since 2021.
After attempting — and failing — at a trade for Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, the Ravens went out and signed NFL All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a 4-year, $112 million free-agent contract.
If Madubuike can return to form, being paired with Hendrickson should be a scary thought for opposing teams.
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