Jonathan Ward Signs with Ravens Practice Squad, Crossing AFC North Lines
The Baltimore Ravens are adding some veteran depth to their backfield, signing running back Jonathan Ward to their practice squad after a successful workout on Monday. The move brings a familiar face back into the AFC North - though this time, he’s wearing purple instead of black and gold.
Ward, 28, spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, appearing in four games. He logged five carries for 22 yards, averaging a solid 4.4 yards per attempt, and chipped in on special teams with two tackles. While his offensive touches were limited, his versatility and willingness to contribute in multiple phases of the game have kept him on the radar for teams in need of reliable depth.
Since his release from the Steelers in June - following a reserve/future deal that didn’t pan out - Ward has been bouncing around practice squads. He’s had brief stints with both the New York Giants and New England Patriots this season, but was let go by New England for the second time on November 25. Now, he gets a fresh opportunity in Baltimore, a team known for maximizing the value of role players, especially in the run game.
Ward’s journey through the league has been anything but linear. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020 out of Central Michigan, where he posted impressive college numbers: 2,539 rushing yards, 28 touchdowns on the ground, and nearly 1,000 receiving yards with four more scores through the air. That kind of dual-threat ability made him an intriguing prospect, even if he didn’t hear his name called on draft day.
He landed with the Arizona Cardinals and carved out a role over three seasons, largely as a special teamer and depth piece. After being released during the 2022 season, Ward had a short stint with the New York Jets’ practice squad before moving on to the Tennessee Titans, where he spent time toggling between the practice squad and active roster through the 2022-23 stretch.
Now with Baltimore, Ward joins a backfield that has dealt with its fair share of injuries and lineup shuffling in recent seasons. While he’s not expected to be a featured part of the offense right away, his experience and ability to contribute on special teams could earn him a call-up if the Ravens need a steady hand late in the season.
For Ward, it’s another chance to prove he belongs in the league - and this time, it comes with the added intrigue of playing for a divisional rival. The Steelers may not have found a long-term fit for him, but the Ravens clearly see something they can work with. And in a league where running back depth can be tested at a moment’s notice, having a veteran like Ward in the building is a smart insurance policy.