The Baltimore Ravens are optimistic that standout defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike could return this season from what was considered a career-threatening neck injury he suffered in Week 2 of the 2025 season, ESPN reported Tuesday.

Per the report, Madubuike underwent neck surgery last week, with doctors telling the team that they thought he could return in 2026.

Without him manning the defensive line last season, the Ravens defense was 24th in the NFL and had trouble pressuring opposing quarterbacks. The Ravens had just 30 sacks for 189 yards in 2025, a huge drop from 2023 (60 sacks, 454 yards) and 2024 (54, 318).

Both the Ravens and Madubuike have been mum about his future since the injury, but it was known that the two-time Pro Bowl selection was taking part in Baltimore’s offseason workouts.

A third-round draft pick by Baltimore out of Texas A&M, Madubuike has 30 career sacks and 69 QB hits in 78 games (66 starts).

He also has 203 career tackles and two forced fumbles.

“Not having Nnamdi this year was a horrible situation for our team,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said after the Ravens finished their season 8-9 and did not make the playoffs.

“I think it affected us in different ways — in many ways. He is a great player, a great person, a special person.”

–Field Level Media