The Pittsburgh Steelers are attempting to repeat as AFC North champions for the first time since the 2016-2017 seasons. It won't be easy with the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens both looking more formidable through two weeks of play. Additionally, the Cleveland Browns came up with a surprising victory in Week 2 and sit at 1-1. Mike McCarthy and Co. have a very difficult schedule toward the end of the year, so coming up with several wins early on is extremely important. The divisional showdowns begin in Week 3 as Zac Taylor's Bengals squad will travel to play at Acrisure Stadium.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stands on the field and looks on as he watches the team workout during a 2026 training camp practice taking place at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
While Pittsburgh is currently focused on the Bengals, and then will be tasked with playing the Browns on Thursday Night Football, it's important to pay attention to what is going on with the Ravens, as well. Baltimore suffered a relatively surprising defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. Head Coach Jesse Minter and his group will look to bounce back versus the Dallas Cowboys.
The AFC North as a whole was put on notice after Wednesday's injury reports were released. The Ravens are expecting to get two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike back after an absence that has spanned roughly a year. ESPN reporter Jamison Hensley gave the details.
"Ravens Pro Bowl DT Nnamdi Madubuike was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, which could signify that he will return to the field on Sunday against the Cowboys," Hensley wrote. "Madubuike, who had been limited in practice the first two weeks, hasn't played in a year because of a neck injury."
Madubuike was a key piece for the Steelers' rival in the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. He made the Pro Bowl for his play in both seasons. Now, he appears to be fully healthy and ready to go. Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver, who Pittsburgh interviewed for its once-open head-coaching position, spoke on Thursday about how the dominant defensive tackle looks.
"He's got to knock off some rust, got to gain confidence, and as you do, you just feel more comfortable when you feel like your old self," Weaver said. "That's exactly what I've seen out of him. It's been pretty cool to watch just cause, just knowing him, right, and our relationship in the past. Just trying to encourage him and he's one of those guys that needs to be reinforced a little bit, just to have trust and faith that he can be himself, and he's looked like the Nnamdi I've always known."
The reason for this news being so relevant to the Steelers goes beyond the fact that the Ravens are in the AFC North. Both of the showdowns between the two franchises will come in December. By that point, Madubuike should have shaken off any and all rust. That could provide a serious challenge for Pittsburgh.
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New Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter watches second quarter action against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium.
Minter's defense could be a very strong force come December if the unit stays healthy. Madubuike's return only makes the challenge more difficult for the Steelers. It's very far down the line; however, it's something to keep an eye on. If Madubuike returns and his neck feels 100%, it could be a very scary situation for the rest of the division.
Kevin Patra of the NFL's official website wrote about the injury to Madubuike back in April. At one point, there was some concern that the defender would not be coming back at all.
"Madubuike suffered a neck injury in Week 2 that ended his 2025 season, and it was considered career-threatening," Patra wrote. "His future has been up in the air all offseason."
It's never fun when a professional athlete's career is in jeopardy due to injury. Despite the fact that he may be a serious problem for the Steelers moving forward, it will be good for NFL fans to see Madubuike back on the field.
Steelers Have A Difficult Stretch To End 2026 Season
Pittsburgh has to play Baltimore twice in December, but those won't be the only two tough matchups on the schedule. McCarthy's collective needs to figure out how to get to Thanksgiving with a respectable record, or things could be looking very bleak. The Ravens games for the Steelers already got a bit more challenging because Madubuike is set to finally get back to being a force on the defensive side of the ball.
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