Ravens Re-Sign Running Back Jonathan Ward to Bolster Backfield Depth

The Baltimore Ravens have signed running back Jonathan Ward, bringing him back to a roster that is still shaping its depth chart heading into the season. The move reunites the team with Ward, who previously joined Baltimore’s practice squad in December but did not receive an elevation to the active roster during that period.

According to the Ravens’ announcement, Ward’s contract is the latest adjustment aimed at adding experienced bodies to a position that often sees multiple roles across the season. Running back depth matters in the NFL not just for volume, but also for practice work, special teams possibilities, and contingency planning through camp and the weeks that follow.

The timing of the signing underscores a common roster-building approach in August. Teams use the early and mid-preseason window to evaluate returners, change-of-pace options, and third-down skill sets, while maintaining enough backfield cover to withstand the inevitable attrition that comes with the physical grind of camp.

Ward’s previous time with Baltimore provides a limited but relevant reference point for the organization. Because the Ravens had already added him to the practice squad late in the year, they were familiar with how he fit into their offseason work and how he performed in team settings, even if he remained outside the active lineup.

For the Ravens, the decision adds another piece to an ongoing competition for snaps. It also reflects how practice-squad signings can turn into longer opportunities, particularly when a player continues to demonstrate consistent habits and grasp the playbook at the pace required for an NFL system.

Baltimore’s backfield plans will still depend on how the rest of the group performs through training camp practices and preseason game action, but the Ward addition provides another roster option. As the team trims its roster toward the regular season, decisions about who keeps roles as a runner, a pass-catcher, and a special teams contributor will carry increased weight.

The next thing to watch is whether Ward earns a clear role in the Ravens’ pecking order as the depth chart solidifies, and whether his work this offseason translates into meaningful opportunities on offense or the kicking phases of the game. For now, the signing is a straightforward depth move, backed by the team’s prior familiarity with Ward’s fit in Baltimore’s environment.