Okay, Ravens fans, get ready. The team officially brought running back Jonathan Ward back into the fold, signing him on Sunday. This move might seem like just another transaction, but it came right after offensive tackle Kendall Lamm called it a career on Friday, freeing up a roster spot. Let’s be real, though: the biggest takeaway here is the Ravens were absolutely starved for depth at running back, and they moved fast to address it.
The Grind Is Real For Jonathan Ward
Seriously, this guy’s journey in the NFL is wild. Ward, at 28 years old, first hit the league back in 2020 as an undrafted free agent, originally signing with the Cardinals. Since then, he’s basically collected stamps on his NFL passport, bouncing between the Jets, Titans, Steelers, Giants, Patriots, and yeah, he even had a previous stint on the Ravens’ practice squad last December. He didn’t actually see a game back then, but he was in the building. We’re talking about a player who has appeared in 46 regular-season games, with 91 rushing yards on 22 carries, and six receptions for 52 yards and one touchdown. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, sure, but they tell you Ward knows how to play, he knows how to stick around, and he knows the league. This isn’t some rookie; this is a seasoned grinder looking for his shot.
The Ravens’ Backfield Needed a Jolt
So, why Ward, and why now? It’s simple: the Ravens’ backfield situation is a full-blown emergency. For their first preseason game, they were down to just three healthy running backs who even dressed: Adam Randall, Elijah Tau-Toliver, and Dontae McMillan. That’s a thin crew! This immediate need was amplified by the fact that Rasheen Ali is sidelined with an undisclosed injury, creating a gaping hole. They weren’t just casually looking for depth; they were doing an emergency call-out, and Ward answered. He recently got a tryout, battling it out alongside D’Ernest Johnson and Jared Chisari, and the fact that he got the nod says a ton about what the Ravens’ coaches saw in him. This is his opportunity to finally stick somewhere.
For Ward, this isn’t just another stop on his tour of the league; this is a golden opportunity to prove he belongs on an active roster. With preseason games underway, every single carry, every block, every snap he gets is going to be under the microscope. He’s got a real chance to turn a desperate situation for the Ravens into a permanent home for himself. Keep a close eye on that Ravens backfield; it’s going to be a battle to see who earns those snaps as the regular season gets closer, and Ward is right in the thick of it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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