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Determined not to let all the double teams hold him back this year, Ravens Pro Bowl defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike was off to a hot start, racking up two sacks and 10 pressures in two games.

But his stats will remain frozen there. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday that Madubuike will be out for the year due to a neck injury.

He declined to explain the diagnosis, saying that would be up to Madubuike himself.

“A lot of that is things he needs to address with you guys in his time,” Harbaugh said. “I really can’t speak for him, wouldn’t want to. Those are questions that would be best answered by him going forward.”

Harbaugh did not offer updates on five key players, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, who left the game against the Chiefs on Sunday due to injury.

Following Week 2’s win over the Cleveland Browns, Madubuike showed “symptoms” of what was later ruled a neck injury, according to Harbaugh. While he wouldn’t go into detail, Harbaugh expressed concern it could sideline Madubuike for a long time.

Now, the Ravens’ anchor up front is out for the year.

Madubuike is just 27 years old. A two-time Pro Bowler, he has 30 sacks and 203 tackles, including 42 for loss, in 78 career games.

The Ravens selected Madubuike with the 71st overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Madubuike contributed immediately, but his breakout season came in 2023 when he had 13 sacks, which led all interior defensive linemen in the NFL. That year, the Ravens defense made history, becoming the first unit to finish the season first in points per game (16.5), sacks (60) and takeaways (31).

Opposing offensive coordinators took notice of Madubuike and started assigning two blockers to him. As a result, his sack count dropped to 6.5 in 2024. He was still an integral part of a Ravens defense that surrendered the fewest total yards and fewest yards per carry in the NFL last season.

While he was frustrated by the drop-off in sacks, Madubuike said during training camp this summer that he took the double teams as a compliment.

His impact became clear when the Ravens had to play without him in Week 3. The defense struggled in all phases.

The Lions ran all over the Ravens, who gave up more rushing yards (224) than they’ve surrendered in a game since 2017. The Ravens, who were also without their leading pass rusher, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, couldn’t get to quarterback Jared Goff and finished with zero sacks.

Things became even more bleak after the Lions game when starting defensive linemen Travis Jones and Broderick Washington missed practice before the team’s game against Kansas City. Jones (knee) returned later that week but was still inactive for the game. Washington (ankle) was placed on injured reserve.

With Madubuike and Washington on injured reserve, and Jones still recovering, veteran depth defensive lineman John Jenkins stepped into a more prominent role. Veterans Brent Urban and Josh Tupou were activated off the practice squad, and young players like rookie Aeneas Peebles and practice squad player C.J. Okoye filled in.

Harbaugh said Monday that Washington should be back after the required four-week absence. The team is open to bringing in other players to fill the void on the defensive front.

However, the loss of Madubuike does not simply open the door for someone else to step in. His 2025 cap hit ($16.475 million) was the third-highest on the team behind quarterback Lamar Jackson ($43.5 million) and tight end Mark Andrews ($16.912 million).

According to Over the Cap, $7.5 million of Madubuike’s 2025 salary is guaranteed. Both his $5.975 million signing bonus and $3 million option bonus have already been paid and are prorated across his contract, which means they’re guaranteed as well. Which means all $16.475 million of his cap hit still counts against the Ravens this year, limiting their options.