Posted on Sep 27

Harbaugh on Madubuike's injury: "I'm concerned that this could be a long-term injury."

Posted Sep 27, 2025

The Baltimore Ravens face significant challenges as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, following the placement of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike on injured reserve due to a neck injury.

Why it matters: The absence of Madubuike, a key player in the Ravens' defensive lineup, could exacerbate an already struggling defense that ranks at the bottom of the NFL in both run and pass defense.

Coach John Harbaugh has noted concerns that Madubuike's injury may be long-term, which would further complicate the Ravens’ efforts to improve defensively.
This season, the team has allowed 207 rushing yards to opposing offenses, the highest recorded since ESPN began tracking the statistic in 2006.

What’s new: The Ravens have taken immediate steps to fill the void left by Madubuike's departure.

Defensive end Brent Urban and tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden have been signed to the 53-man roster, while C.J. Okoye and Josh Tupou have been elevated from the practice squad.
Despite these moves, the Ravens still find themselves facing a daunting challenge against the Chiefs, known for their high-octane offense led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

By the numbers: Madubuike's impact on the field has been significant.

He boasted 21.5 sacks since the start of the 2023 season, leading all NFL defensive tackles, illustrating his importance to the Ravens’ front line.
Before this injury, he had played 55 consecutive games, showcasing his durability and reliability.

Yes, but: The Ravens defensive struggles extend beyond just one player.

They currently rank last in the league defensively, a stark contrast to their historical reputation for defensive prowess.
In a recent game against the Detroit Lions, the Ravens failed to record a single sack for the first time in four years, signaling deeper systemic issues within the defense.

What to watch: As the team prepares for the Chiefs, keep an eye on how the revamped defensive lineup performs.

With Madubuike sidelined, the effectiveness of newly signed players will be critical in determining the team's ability to contain Kansas City's dynamic offensive threats.
Additionally, the Ravens are striving to avoid their first 1-3 start in a decade, making this game increasingly vital for their aspirations this season.

The bottom line: The Ravens face a pivotal moment in their season as they navigate the challenges posed by injuries and underperformance in their defense.

With the stakes high, particularly against a formidable opponent like the Chiefs, the team's ability to adapt and respond will be crucial in shaping their trajectory for the remainder of the season.

Harbaugh on Madubuike's injury: "I'm concerned that this could be a long-term injury."

Alex Parker

Posted Sep 27, 2025

Coach John Harbaugh has noted concerns that Madubuike's injury may be long-term, which would further complicate the Ravens’ efforts to improve defensively.

This season, the team has allowed 207 rushing yards to opposing offenses, the highest recorded since ESPN began tracking the statistic in 2006.

What’s new: The Ravens have taken immediate steps to fill the void left by Madubuike's departure.

Defensive end Brent Urban and tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden have been signed to the 53-man roster, while C.J. Okoye and Josh Tupou have been elevated from the practice squad.

Despite these moves, the Ravens still find themselves facing a daunting challenge against the Chiefs, known for their high-octane offense led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

By the numbers: Madubuike's impact on the field has been significant.

He boasted 21.5 sacks since the start of the 2023 season, leading all NFL defensive tackles, illustrating his importance to the Ravens’ front line.

Before this injury, he had played 55 consecutive games, showcasing his durability and reliability.

Yes, but: The Ravens defensive struggles extend beyond just one player.

They currently rank last in the league defensively, a stark contrast to their historical reputation for defensive prowess.

In a recent game against the Detroit Lions, the Ravens failed to record a single sack for the first time in four years, signaling deeper systemic issues within the defense.

What to watch: As the team prepares for the Chiefs, keep an eye on how the revamped defensive lineup performs.

With Madubuike sidelined, the effectiveness of newly signed players will be critical in determining the team's ability to contain Kansas City's dynamic offensive threats.

Additionally, the Ravens are striving to avoid their first 1-3 start in a decade, making this game increasingly vital for their aspirations this season.

The bottom line: The Ravens face a pivotal moment in their season as they navigate the challenges posed by injuries and underperformance in their defense.

With the stakes high, particularly against a formidable opponent like the Chiefs, the team's ability to adapt and respond will be crucial in shaping their trajectory for the remainder of the season.