Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta provided an encouraging update on Teddye Buchanan, praising the young linebacker’s work as he attempts to return from the torn ACL that ended his promising rookie season.
DeCosta described Buchanan’s recovery as a “top 1% rehab,” an emphatic endorsement of how seriously the former fourth-round pick has approached one of the most demanding rehabilitation processes in professional sports.
The comment does not guarantee that Buchanan will be ready for the beginning of training camp or the regular season. A mid-December ACL tear creates a challenging timeline, and Baltimore must prioritize Buchanan’s long-term development over accelerating his return to address an immediate need. Still, DeCosta’s assessment suggests Buchanan has done everything within his control to place himself in a position to contribute during the 2026 season.
Teddye Buchanan had a “top 1% rehab” and Nnamdi Madubuike continues to trend in the right direction to return to playing for the Ravens.
Eric DeCosta added that more information should be known in the next few weeks on Nnamdi! pic.twitter.com/QAgN0jspIL
— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) July 16, 2026
That would be an important development for a Ravens defense with an unsettled position next to Roquan Smith.
Teddye Buchanan established himself quickly as a rookie
Baltimore selected Buchanan out of California with the 129th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft. He entered the league without the expectations attached to an early-round selection but quickly earned significant responsibility.
Buchanan became a starting inside linebacker in Week 2 and developed into one of Baltimore’s most productive young defenders. He was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month for October after leading the Ravens with 30 tackles during the month.
Before suffering the knee injury against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15, Buchanan had recorded 93 tackles, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one-half sack in 14 games. His injury occurred while covering a punt, abruptly ending a season in which he had started 13 games and become the Ravens’ second-leading tackler.
The workload demonstrated that Baltimore did not view Buchanan as a developmental rookie limited to special teams or certain defensive packages. He played 651 defensive snaps and was being trusted with communication, coverage, and run-defense assignments next to Smith.
His speed and range gave the Ravens a young linebacker capable of pursuing plays from sideline to sideline. Buchanan also demonstrated the instincts and toughness necessary to handle traffic between the tackles, helping him become an immediate part of Baltimore’s defensive foundation.
The torn ACL interrupted that progress, but it did not change the organization’s apparent belief in his potential.
Buchanan’s health will shape Baltimore’s linebacker competition
The Ravens cannot assume Buchanan will immediately return to the same role or performance level. Recovering from an ACL tear requires more than regaining strength. Buchanan must restore his acceleration, lateral movement, and confidence while preparing his body for the physical demands of an NFL season.
DeCosta’s description of Buchanan’s rehabilitation offers legitimate optimism, but Baltimore still has alternatives to evaluate.
Trenton Simpson enters a pivotal season after playing 407 defensive snaps and 236 special teams snaps in 2025. Simpson received an expanded role after Buchanan was injured and will have another opportunity to prove he can become the clear second linebacker next to Smith.
That competition could look different depending on when Buchanan is cleared. The Ravens may open camp with Simpson handling more first-team work while Buchanan completes his recovery. Baltimore could also manage Buchanan’s workload early in the season rather than immediately returning him to an every-down role.
There is no need to force the issue. Smith remains the unit’s leader, and the Ravens can use personnel packages that reduce the demands on their second inside linebacker. Still, Buchanan’s rookie performance showed why his return matters.
He gave Baltimore a young, inexpensive starter with the athletic ability to remain on the field for all three downs. Those players are difficult to find, particularly outside the first two rounds of the draft.
DeCosta’s update represents the strongest indication yet that Buchanan is maximizing his recovery window. The Ravens will continue evaluating his knee as training camp and the regular season approach, but a “top 1% rehab” provides another reason to believe his promising rookie campaign was only the beginning.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Teddye Buchanan’s remarkable rehab could reshape Ravens defense
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