The Ravens have responded to the Seahawks’ trade for Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson by adding some offensive line reinforcements of their own.
Well, that might be an exaggeration. Baltimore did sign Michael Jordan to their practice squad, but the move should obviously not be taken in the context of Seattle’s blockbuster trade. Instead, it should be seen as a reaction to Tuesday’s news that first-round pick Vega Ioane will miss time with a sprained MCL. The Ravens have already been dealing with a slew of offensive line injuries; now, either Andrew Vorhees or Emery Jones will re-enter the starting lineup at right guard. The other will back up both guard spots with backup center Kyle Hergel available in a pinch.
The Ravens have Chuma Edoga on their practice squad as additional guard depth, but he only has one game day elevation remaining and may not be worth an active roster spot. Bringing Jordan in now allows him to learn the offense and stay prepared in case he is needed as depth in the coming weeks.
Jordan, 28, was originally a Bengals fourth-round pick in 2019. He started 19 games over his first two seasons – due in part to Cincinnati’s offensive line injuries – but was out of the game day picture entering 2021. Jordan was waived in September and later picked up by the Panthers, who badly needed O-line help and installed him as their starting left guard to close out the season. He served as a backup the following year before 11 starts for the Patriots in 2024 and nine for the Buccaneers last year, again as a result of his teammates’ injuries.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound guard has never graded out as a starting-caliber offensive lineman, according to Pro Football Focus, but he has demonstrated some improvements in pass protection. His 60.4 and 71.1 pass-blocking grades in 2024 and 2025 were career-bests, as was his identical 96.8 pass blocking efficiency in each year. He does not profile as an instant upgrade to the starting lineup, but his experience ensures Baltimore has a relatively experienced player to fill in at guard if needed.
In a corresponding move, the Ravens released running back Jonathan Ward from their practice squad. He has spent time in Baltimore in each of the last two seasons but has not appeared in a game. The team now has three running backs on their active roster and none on their practice squad, suggesting that rookie Adam Randall is close to returning from injured reserve. He was sidelined with a foot injury to start the year and became eligible to return in Week 5.
The Ravens offense is desperate to improve in short-yardage situations, and the 6-foot-3, 240-pound running back could be part of the solution. He ran hard in the preseason and averaged 3.71 yards after contact (via PFF). Keep an eye out for reports on Wednesday morning about his potential presence on the practice field.