The Baltimore Ravens won’t have defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike when they take on the Detroit Lions Monday night. He’s been ruled out due to a neck injury, which has prevented him from practicing all week. This decision lands a very important punch to the Ravens’ defensive front. Madubuike has long been a linchpin of their pass rush.
As it turns out, Madubuike has emerged as one of the most durable players on the Ravens’ roster. Since his rookie season in 2020, he’s missed zero games due to injury. His absence will cut short a very impressive streak of 55 straight games played, a clear indicator of his toughness and dedication. The two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman is one of the best at making quarterbacks uncomfortable from the inside out. The Ravens will certainly miss him as they host the Lions.
The severity of Madubuike’s injury remains unclear, including when it occurred during last Sunday’s game. Head Coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the situation, stating, “He came up with symptoms after the game. They’re dealing with the symptoms, and they’re testing right now. So, he will be ruled out for this game and they’re trying to get to the bottom of it.”
While the Ravens are plotting their next moves, the betting money is that they will put Madubuike on injured reserve. If this is indeed the case, it would force him to miss a minimum of four games. Harbaugh clarifying the confusion regarding this potentially huge move, “I don’t know enough to say.”
The Ravens are missing him badly right now. This is huge for their pass rush, particularly since he and Kyle Van Noy have accumulated a combined 43 sacks dating back to the beginning of the 2023 season. With Madubuike out, it’s created some opportunities for rookie Aeneas Peebles. He’s already primed to have a major opportunity to fill that void after the Pro Bowler’s departure.
Leave a Reply