Baltimore Ravens defensive pieces Nnamdi Madubuike and Teddye Buchanan, both injured during the 2025 season, are both trending in the right direction in potential returns to the field in 2026, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said.
DeCosta told 105.7 The Fan’s Cordell Woodland and Vinny Cerrato during an interview that he’s “optimistic” about their health with training camp fast approaching.
Madubuike, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle (in 2023 and 2024), suffered a severe, season-ending neck injury in Week 2. The nature of the injury was said to put his career in doubt, though neither he nor the Ravens have disclosed the exact diagnosis. He had neck surgery in April.
Buchanan, a linebacker, suffered a torn ACL in Week 15 of his rookie season. He was a fourth-round pick out of Cal, started 13 games, and was the team’s second-leading tackler and effective blitzer when he went down. He appears on the fast track for a return.
“Both guys are really important to our defense,” DeCosta said today. “Both injuries last year were gut-wrenching in different ways. I’m optimistic about both guys. “I think you’ll see Teddye sooner than later,” DeCosta added. “He has done a great job. I mean, top 1% of rehabs that I’ve seen in my time here… Very optimistic about Teddye.
“Nnamdi is a little bit more unclear. I think everything looks to be pointed in the right direction, but you’re talking about a different kind of injury… I’m excited about where Nnamdi is, and I think we’ll have more information in the coming weeks.”
The Ravens open training camp later this month. Baltimore’s first full practice is Wednesday, June 29 in Owings Mills.
If Madubuike is able to return and able to play at a high level, it would be a big boost for the defensive line as the 28-year-old became a stalwart in recent years, good enough to sign a four-year, $98 million contract extension in March 2024.