Ravens’ Teddye Buchanan offers encouraging update on rehab progress

What made Buchanan’s rookie season especially impressive was how quickly he adapted. Young linebackers often struggle adjusting to the speed, complexity, and physical demands of NFL defenses. Buchanan, however, appeared comfortable almost immediately after being “thrown into the fire,” as he described it.

His confidence grew throughout the season as well. He pointed specifically to a third-down stop against the Buffalo Bills during his NFL debut as the moment he realized he truly belonged at this level. The then-rookie began to believe not only that he could survive in the NFL but also that he could become a genuinely impactful player.

Perhaps the strongest indication of Baltimore's confidence in Buchanan came during the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite entering the offseason with questions surrounding linebacker depth, the Ravens declined to select a single inside linebacker with any of their 11 draft picks. That decision suggests the organization feels comfortable with the current group led by Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, and Buchanan's eventual return.

New head coach Jesse Minter's defensive system should also create opportunities for athletic linebackers who can play downhill while still holding up in coverage. That description fits Buchanan perfectly. For now, the focus remains on recovery and patience.

Still, given Buchanan's tone and growing confidence, the Ravens may eventually gain far more than just another healthy defender. They may be getting back one of the emotional and physical leaders of their defense. If Buchanan's recovery continues trending the way he believes it will, Baltimore's defense may soon welcome back more than a promising young linebacker returning from injury. The Ravens could be getting back a future centerpiece whose best football still lies ahead.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens’ Teddye Buchanan offers encouraging update on rehab progress