KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Baltimore Ravens announced on Saturday the inclusion of Nnamdi Madubuike on the injured reserve list, which increases concern about the neck injury of the outstanding defensive tackle. Madubuike will be out of action for at least the next four games, generating uncertainty about his possible return. Coach John Harbaugh expressed his “concern” about the severity of the injury, although he could not offer more details. Harbaugh commented on Friday that he did not have any additional information about Madubuike, except that he would miss Sunday’s game in Kansas City. “That’s all I can confirm at this time,” he added. The absence of Madubuike represents a significant loss for Baltimore, which is currently in the last position in the NFL in defense, a situation that has not occurred since 2021. In addition, the Ravens are ranked 30th in run defense and 31st in pass defense.
Without Madubuike on the field during the 38-30 defeat against the Detroit Lions, the Ravens allowed 207 rushing yards between the tackles, the most since this statistic began being recorded in 2006. In addition, Baltimore failed to record any sacks in the game, something that hadn’t happened in four years. Madubuike has accumulated 21.5 sacks since the start of the 2023 season, the most for an NFL defensive tackle in that period.
Madubuike, 27, had participated in 55 consecutive games before injuring his neck in the 41-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns on September 14, although the Ravens have not yet determined the exact timing of the injury. Symptoms manifested after the game, leading to additional tests. Pro Bowl player in the last two seasons, Madubuike is in the second year of a four-year, $98 million contract, with $75.5 million guaranteed. In addition to Madubuike, Baltimore also placed defensive end Broderick Washington (ankle) on the injured reserve list, meaning the Ravens will be without two starting defensive linemen for several games, including matchups against the Chiefs, Texans, Rams, and Bears. The Ravens added defensive end Brent Urban and tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden to the 53-man roster, and promoted defensive tackle C.J. Okoye and nose tackle Josh Tupou from the practice squad. The Ravens are looking to avoid their first 1-3 season start in 10 years when they face the Chiefs on Sunday.
