The Baltimore Ravens have seen some key players return to practice ahead of their primetime matchup with the Detroit Lions. However, several starters have missed practice heading into the weekend. One of those players is star defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, and his status for Week 3 may be up in the air.
The two-time Pro Bowler has been out with a neck injury this week. With the game on Monday night, there is a little extra time for Madubuike to heal, but with two missed practices, it is starting to become concerning.
Friday’s Injury Report pic.twitter.com/wdhl7jCwmc
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 19, 2025
Through two games, Madubuike has been the lifeblood of a defense trying to find its identity. He has picked up sacks in back-to-back games to begin the 2025 campaign and has the highest pressure rate among defensive tackles at 20.3%, per Pro Football Focus.
With an elite offense like the Lions lying ahead, who possess the best running back duo and a high-powered passing attack, Madubuike is a crucial piece to have on Monday. If he does not play, though, other young defensive linemen will have the opportunity to step up.
Nnamdi Madubuike’s injury could shove young defensive linemen into spotlight
Alongside Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Aeneas Peebles have helped build one of the best interior defensive lines in the NFL. Jones is quickly breaking out this year, posting the 12th-best PFF grade for defensive linemen at 76.8. In Peebles’ case, the 2025 sixth-round selection is already earning a ton of snaps. So far, he has a 69.9 PFF grade, ranking 31st at his position.
If Madubuike is out or limited in any way, Jones and Peebles will have their work cut out for them. Jones already faces a double-team rate of 67%, and would become the central focus on the interior. Peebles, on the other hand, would see a significant uptick in snaps, and he would have to prove he is capable of carrying the load.
For a Ravens defense that has struggled to get home and sack the quarterback this season, the potential loss of Madubuike for the upcoming game would be infuriating. Baltimore’s defense has three sacks so far in 2025, and Madubuike has two of them.
Pass rush win rate for #Ravens EDGE rushers through 2 weeks:
Odafe Oweh – 18.3%
Tavius Robinson – 15.2%
Mike Green – 11.9%
Kyle Van Noy – 10%Interior DL:
Nnamdi Madubuike – 20.3%
Travis Jones – 12.9%
John Jenkins – 12.5%
Aeneas Peebles – 9.1%
Broddy Washington – 6.5%— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) September 17, 2025
Jones has been winning pass rush reps at a fine clip, posting a 12.9% pass rush win rate through two weeks, and Peebles has an above-average 69.1 pass rush grade, per PFF. However, against a loaded Detroit offense, the Baltimore defense would suffer without Madubuike. They need those two budding stars to step up if he remains injured.
