Ravens’ 6-Foot-3, 305-Pound Defender Could Have Special Moment Before Saints Clash

The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for their Week 2 matchup with the New Orleans Saints, but several questions remain ahead of the game.

Most of the attention has centered on Baltimore’s wide receiver room, where Zay Flowers and Ja’Kobi Lane are dealing with injuries from the Ravens’ 41-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Flowers is considered day-to-day with a hamstring issue, while Lane is expected to miss at least four weeks after undergoing surgery on a fractured wrist.

The Ravens are also keeping a close eye on defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, who continues to work his way back from the neck injury that sidelined him last season. Like Flowers, Madubuike is currently considered day-to-day and could potentially return for Baltimore’s Week 2 game.

If he does make his return, it could make the Ravens’ home opener an especially memorable occasion for him.

Nnamdi Madubuike Could Be Part of a Special Week 2 Moment

The Ravens’ first home game of the season already has several notable events planned.

The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec reported that Chanda Brigance, the wife of former Ravens player O.J. Brigance, will serve as the team’s honorary captain. Former Raven Ryan Jensen will be recognized as the Legend of the Game, while NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman will take part as the “Leader of the Uprising.” Grand Funk Railroad is also scheduled to perform during halftime.

The Ravens will additionally introduce their starting defense before kickoff, which could make the occasion particularly meaningful for Madubuike if he is cleared to play.

Madubuike has developed into an important piece of Baltimore’s defense since the team selected him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Across 78 career games, he has recorded 203 tackles, 69 quarterback hits, 42 tackles for loss, 30 sacks, six pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

Could Madubuike Return Against the Saints?

Having Madubuike back would give Baltimore another experienced option along the defensive line, particularly when it comes to generating pressure on the quarterback and defending the run.

The Ravens had a strong opening week overall, although their defense became less effective during the second half. Adding a player of Madubuike’s caliber to the rotation could provide the unit with additional depth and versatility.

That could be especially useful against New Orleans, which has the ability to attack defenses both on the ground and through the air. A versatile interior defender such as Madubuike could therefore play an important role if he is ready to return.

For Madubuike personally, stepping onto the field in the Ravens’ home opener would carry additional significance. After suffering a serious neck injury and facing uncertainty about his future, making his return to game action would mark an important point in his recovery.

Baltimore still has a decision to make regarding his availability for Week 2. Given his current day-to-day designation, the Ravens may wait until close to kickoff before determining whether Madubuike is ready to suit up against the Saints.