For the most part, the Baltimore Ravens’ starting defense for 2026 is set. While new contributors like Trey Hendrickson, Zion Young, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Calais Campbell are great improvements, much of the unit actually looks the same. And perhaps some of the biggest boosts will come from those returning from injury.
Nnamdi Madubuike is the biggest injury question in Baltimore. He’s been progressing in his recovery from a neck injury, but unfortunately, his status remains unknown. Someone who is a bit more of a sure thing, though, is Teddye Buchanan.
Buchanan tore his ACL in Week 15 last season, and although he has yet to return to practice, Jesse Minter has said he’s way ahead of schedule. Buchanan recently showed how far ahead he is with a clip from his recent workouts.
This is incredible progress, and it’s very encouraging for his status for Week 1.
Baltimore Ravens may get Teddye Buchanan back in time for Week 1
Teddye Buchanan will certainly cut it close regarding whether he’s ready for Week 1 of the regular season. At best, players usually return at around nine months after tearing their ACL, which would put Buchanan right on the edge of the recovery timeline. His knee looks pretty strong in that workout video, though, so it’s very possible that the 23-year-old returns to the starting lineup come time for the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Ravens need Buchanan back. Their linebacker room, along with the rest of the defense, struggled in 2025. However, Buchanan was a pleasant surprise, taking the reins of starting duties in Week 2 and never looking back.
The California product played an inspiring brand of football last year. He finished with 93 combined tackles across 14 games, playing like his hair was on fire week in and week out. His energy is infectious, and Baltimore needs that back in the rotation.
While Trenton Simpson sounds ready to break out under Minter in year three of his NFL career, Buchanan will likely remain the go-to option. His rookie season was just that promising. Sure, Simpson could be a versatile piece under Minter, but Buchanan’s consistency as a tackler will be a reassuring factor in the middle of the field.
Now, Buchanan could look sluggish in his return from injury, whenever that time arrives, but it’s really hard to ignore how good he’s looking. We’ve only just hit July, and he might be inching closer to putting on the pads. It’d be a much-needed boost for a Baltimore defense that is looking to relocate its swagger.
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