Ravens get huge injury update on two-time Pro Bowler originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Baltimore Ravens have missed defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike after he suffered a season-ending neck injury last season.

In fact, some thought that it could end his career, which is a little scary.

Given how important Madubuike is to the Ravens' defense, losing him, as they did last season, left the defensive line with a gaping hole in the middle of it. But of course, a player's health always comes first.

The Ravens, though, might have been expecting not to see Madubuike at all this season, but they just got a big dose of hope.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Madubuike had neck surgery and that his doctors have the belief that he could return in 2026.

A boost for Baltimore during draft week: Ravens DT Nnamdi Madubuike, who suffered a season-ending and career-threatening neck injury in Week 2 last season, underwent neck surgery last week that left his doctors believing he willl be able to resume playing this season, per… pic.twitter.com/cm0RTff2Hf

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The neck area isn't something you want to take any chances on, and I bet the Ravens won't.

Yes, it is great that there is hope for Madubuike to return, but make no mistake: he will have to undergo extensive testing before he is likely to be able to practice properly.

Having been out for so long, logic states that Madubuike will take a lot of time to get his football legs underneath him in practice before getting to a point physically and mentally where he is ready for game-like challenges.

Still, the fact that his career isn't over is a great thing, but the Ravens will no doubt be extremely cautious with their star defensive tackle.

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