The Ravens' biggest question was answered on the first day of training camp. Nnamdi Madubuike has passed his physical and will come off the physically unable to perform list.
It's great news for Baltimore, as Madubuike is one of the league's top defensive linemen as a two-time Pro Bowler who leads the Ravens' interior pass rush.
Madubuike has been sidelined since Week 2 of last season due to a neck injury that ultimately required surgery. Since then, there have been questions about when and if he would return.
Madubuike has posted videos of himself working out and looking to be in great shape, and General Manager Eric DeCosta recently told 105.7 The Fan that he was "pointed in the right direction."
It remains to be seen how much Madubuike does at his first practice and early in training camp after an extended absence.
Regardless, it's an encouraging boost for Baltimore's defense. With Madubuike, Travis Jones and Calais Campbell as the projected starters, the Ravens have a fearsome trio up front.
"He's handled the situation great," teammate Ronnie Stanley said Tuesday. "He's done everything he could to try to help the team, be back on the field. I see him out there every day working. It would mean a lot for the team. He's our defensive leader on that line. The trenches is where it all starts. People look to him for leadership."
Madubuike had a dominant 2023 season in which he led all NFL defensive linemen with 13 sacks. He posted 6.5 the following season and got off to a strong start last year with two sacks in his first two games. His absence had a ripple effect on the rest of the defense.
Now, after nearly 11 months of uncertainty, the Ravens expect to have their "beast" back on the field.
"It would be incredible," tight end Mark Andrews said. "That's my guy. He's just such a beast, an incredible person on and off the field. I just know how badly he wants it, how much playing here means to him. Love the guy to death and excited for him."
