Baltimore Beatdown
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta expressed cautious optimism about Nnamdi Madubuike’s status on Thursday and indicated the team would share more information closer to the start of training camp.
“I think everything looks to be pointing in the right direction but you’re talking about a different type of injury, a different kind of circumstance,” DeCosta said in an interview on 105.7 The Fan (via Cordell Woodland). “I’m excited about where Nnamdi is and I think we’ll have more information in the next two weeks that we can share with people.”
Madubuike, 28, went down with a season-ending neck injury in Week 2 that raised significant concern about his long-term future. The Ravens remained mum on the topic through the end of the season and both DeCosta and new head coach Jesse Minter offered limited updates this spring. Madubuike posted workout videos in social media and also underwent surgery in April with the expectation that he would get back on the field this year.
But DeCosta’s latest comments are by far the most positive sign for the two-time Pro Bowler, who is as vital to Baltimore’s defense as any other player save for Kyle Hamilton. The Ravens’ pass rush collapsed without their best player last year. Though Trey Hendrickson and Calais Campbell certainly upgrade the unit, Madubuike could take them through the roof, especially in Minter’s new-look defense.
DeCosta also said that he is “very optimistic” about second-year linebacker Teddye Buchanan, who is coming off a torn ACL. The 2025 fourth-round pick is seven months removed from his injury, which typically has a nine-month recovery period. That would keep Buchanan sidelined into the regular season, but the Ravens seem to be expecting him to participate in training camp.
“I think you’ll see Teddye sooner than later,” DeCosta added. “I think he has done a great job. I mean top 1% of rehabs that I’ve seen in my time here, which has been 30 years.”
The Ravens are otherwise relatively healthy heading into training camp. Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam, both 2025 Day 3 picks who tore their ACLs in the preseason, appear to be in good shape. Longerbeam was a full participant in OTAs and minicamp, while Kone spent full-team periods working with a trainer on a side field. The Central Michigan product should be ready to go for camp. Center Corey Bullock missed the end of spring practices due to surgery for an undisclosed injury. Getting back on the field as early in camp as possible will be crucial to his involvement in the starting center battle.
