After a year away, Nnamdi Madubuike’s return changes the stakes for Baltimore
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Nnamdi Madubuike’s long wait is over. The Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle is active for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, putting him in position to play for the first time in more than a year.
Madubuike has been sidelined since Week 2 of the 2025 season by a neck injury that eventually required surgery. His return followed months of cautious work: he began training camp with limited activity, rejoined team drills in early September and progressed to full participation in practice this week.
For Baltimore, his availability is a boost to a defensive front that has missed his ability to pressure quarterbacks from the interior. Madubuike recorded 13 sacks in 2023, showing the disruption he can bring even when opponents know where he is lining up. His presence alongside Travis Jones and Calais Campbell gives the Ravens another proven option against Dallas.
The question now is how much he will play. Being active marks a major step, but practice cannot fully recreate the demands of a regular-season game. After such a long absence, Baltimore will have to see how Madubuike responds to contact and sustained action.
The wait is over
Madubuike sounded eager as he approached his return. Speaking to the Ravens during the week, he described the past year as “one unique journey” and said he was happy to be practicing with his teammates again.
The Ravens also activated wide receiver Zay Flowers, who missed last week’s game with a hamstring injury. Starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley, however, is out with a toe injury, leaving Carson Vinson in line for his first career start.
Sunday offers Madubuike something he has worked toward since his injury: a chance to compete again. For the Ravens, it is an opportunity to regain a defensive force whose absence has been felt for more than a season.
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