Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, who has been sidelined with a neck injury, just hit full practice participation this week. That’s huge because the man himself said Thursday he feels like he’s “in the ballpark” to play against the Cowboys this Sunday down in Rio. His return would be a seriously long time coming, and honestly, welcome news for a defense that looked pretty rough last week.
A Long Road Back to the Field
Madubuike hasn’t stepped on an NFL field since Week 2 of the 2025 season. Think about that: that’s a year plus of grinding, rehabbing, and just trying to get back to 100 percent. He’s been putting in the work, too. He told Ryan Mink of the team’s website, “I’m working out every day to continue to keep getting better.” That dedication clearly paid off with him getting into full practice this week.
The Defense Needs a Boost, STAT
Look, the Ravens’ defense isn’t exactly cruising right now. Last Sunday, they absolutely broke down late in that loss to the Saints. That kind of performance is tough to watch, and it puts a massive spotlight on who’s missing. Madubuike coming back could be just the shot in the arm they need to solidify that defensive front. He feels good, saying, “I’m in a good place and coaches feel so too, so just taking just one day at a time. But I feel great.” That positive vibe is exactly what a team needs when they’re trying to bounce back.
Is he playing Sunday? The final call is still up in the air, but the fact that he’s even “in the ballpark” after all this time, especially with their defense struggling, that’s something to watch. The Ravens are heading to Rio to face the Cowboys, and they’ll definitely want Madubuike’s presence to get things straightened out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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