Ravens won't rule out Nnamdi Madubuike for Week 1

The Baltimore Ravens could receive a significant boost to their defensive front in time for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Jesse Minter said Monday that he would not rule out defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike for Week 1 as the Pro Bowl defender continues working his way back from a neck injury. "He's been involved more and more every day," Minter said. Madubuike missed the final 15 games of the 2025 season after suffering the injury, leaving Baltimore without one of its most disruptive interior defenders. His potential return would add another proven playmaker to a revamped Ravens pass rush preparing for its first regular-season test. Minter said the team will monitor Madubuike and linebacker Teddye Buchanan throughout the week before determining whether either player can face Indianapolis. "We'll kind of see how it shakes out to see if it's possible for Week 1," Minter said. Baltimore has spent the offseason reshaping its defensive front and generating optimism about the unit's depth. Still, Madubuike offers a rare combination of power, quickness, and interior pass-rushing ability that would be difficult to replace over an entire game or season. His availability would be particularly valuable against Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, whose ability to control games on the ground makes winning at the line of scrimmage one of Baltimore's biggest priorities. The Ravens won't rush a player returning from a significant neck injury, but Madubuike's increased involvement gives the team reason for optimism. His status will be one of the most important developments to monitor as the week progresses. This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens won't rule out Nnamdi Madubuike for Week 1