Nnamdi Madubuike returns to field for Ravens’ first training camp practice

Join the huddle. Sign up here for Ravens updates in your inbox.

The Ravens welcomed star defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike back as they took the field for the first day of training camp.

The two-time Pro Bowler suffered a neck injury in Week 2 of last season that knocked him out for the year. He underwent neck surgery in April and was slated to start training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

But as players took the field at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills to open camp, No. 92 made an unexpected entrance.

“Yeah, I think it’s a great thing just seeing him out here in the building, in the locker room,” safety Kyle Hamilton said. “He’s such a vibrant personality, and you realize when he’s here and when he’s not here, and that’s all for the better when he is here. He’s never bringing any sort of negative attitude, and it’s just awesome to see him back out here going through the process.”

Madubuike did not join the rest of the defense early in the session, though, instead going to a separate field to work on individual drills after the team stretch. He was on the field for about 40 minutes (the practice lasted a little less than 90 minutes.)

Coach Jesse Minter confirmed that he passed his physical but said that there’s still a process Madubuike will have to go through before he’s ready to play football.

“That’s something they’re going to work through over these next couple weeks,” Minter said. “I think everybody has a good feeling about where he’s at and where it’s headed. But again, there’s a timeline involved.”

Madubuike has not played since Sept. 14, the Ravens’ Week 2 win over the Cleveland Browns. He returned to Baltimore for the offseason training program in early April before undergoing neck surgery in mid-April.

Team officials have provided little clarity on the injury or what kind of surgery Madubuike underwent, but Minter had said during minicamp that they “feel good about where it’s at.”

Madubuike had a breakout season in 2023, finishing with 13 sacks, the most of any interior defensive lineman in the NFL. Once he was a known quantity, teams double-teamed him in 2024. Madubuike’s stats went down, but his impact was felt in the opportunities he created for his teammates.

Without him last season, the defense cratered.

“I think it was a domino effect; I think it was a trickle effect,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said. “I think Travis Jones being — with Broderick [Washington Jr.] gone and Madubuike gone — God bless Travis. I think he did the very best he could, but if he’d had Madubuike next to him, he’d have been singled all year long, and instead, they were able to double him all year long.”

Madubuike has yet to speak publicly about his injury, but teammates expressed excitement at the idea of getting him back.

“He’s one of the most talented people at his position in the league, and I don’t think it takes a genius to realize that we’ll get better when he’s on the field,” Hamilton said. “It allowed for a lot of younger guys to step up and get some reps, some much-needed reps going into this year, but we’re all hopeful to get him back as soon as possible.”

The Ravens are starting training camp without much defensive line depth — Jones and John Jenkins are also on the PUP list. Jones was watching practice in street clothes.

Meanwhile, veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell was one of two players on the active roster who was not on the field. Center Corey Bullock, who Minter said was dealing with a minor issue in June, was the other.

Campbell’s absence is not due to injury.

On July 1, Campbell mother was found dead and his brother was arrested and charged with her murder. Minter said the team wants Campbell to come back when he is ready.

“We’re here for Calais to get ready at the rate that he can get ready at,” Minter said. “It’s different than a 25-year-old that’s played maybe only a year or two. This guy’s got so many banked reps of experience and getting himself ready in camp. We’re going to work together with Calais to have a great plan to have him ready for September, December, January, February.”

Cornerback Bilhal Kone, a 2025 sixth-round pick who suffered a season-ending injury last camp, was also working off to the side.

Linebacker Teddye Buchanan and outside linebacker Adisa Isaac are on the PUP list.