The Baltimore Ravens are signing a former Pittsburgh Steelers running back before taking on the Steelers this weekend. Per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, the Ravens are adding RB Jonathan Ward to their practice squad.
The move comes one day after Ward worked out for Baltimore.
#Ravens are signing veteran running back Jonathan Ward to their practice squad following a successful workout, per a league source @KPRC2 https://t.co/YHp9ghklKf pic.twitter.com/o3KmDGNBB3
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 2, 2025
Trying out for the team as a veteran exception during rookie minicamp, the Steelers signed Ward in May 2024. He made it through the offseason with the team and had a strong training camp and preseason, though he was injured during the final camp practice and missed a few weeks of action. Beginning the 2024 season on the Steelers’ practice squad, he eventually appeared in four games for them due to RB Cordarrelle Patterson’s ankle injury.
“[Mike Tomlin] told me that during minicamp…liked the way I work, liked the way I move, liked the way I go about business, pass block,” Ward said during an appearance on Christian Kuntz’s podcast. “And told me last day at rookie minicamp. He’s like, ‘I’ll bring you back. I gotta figure something out as far as rostering spots and stuff like that, but I want you here.’”
Primarily playing on special teams, Ward recorded two tackles. He also returned one kick for 25 yards. Offensively, he logged 10 snaps and carried the ball five times for 22 yards. Most of his action came in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys and Week 6 versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
Pittsburgh carried Ward through most of 2024, though he was cut in December and signed to a Reserve/Futures contract in January. But the Steelers released him in mid-June after mandatory minicamp. He spent part of the summer with the New York Giants before being released during final cuts. Ward also has spent time on the New England Patriots’ practice squad this season.
A former undrafted free agent, Ward has appeared in 46 NFL games. He has 22 carries for 91 yards, six receptions for another 52 yards, and 18 total tackles.
Ward will provide depth on the Ravens’ practice squad. While he is a former Steeler, it’s doubtful he could provide too much information a team like Baltimore, intimately familiar with Pittsburgh, wouldn’t already know.
The Steelers and Ravens kick off at 1 PM/EST this Sunday.