Beating their fiercest AFC North rivals in Week 14 would be the ideal way for the Baltimore Ravens to make amends for their disappointing defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals, so it makes sense the team added a former Pittsburgh Steelers running back to the practice squad as part of a double roster move.
The Ravens confirmed on Tuesday, December 2 they have added veteran runner Jonathan Ward. He’ll be joined by linebacker William Kwenkeu, according to Ravens.com Staff Writer Clifton Brown.
Kwenkeu was with the Ravens for the briefest of moments last season, but the addition of Ward has more significance. Not least because of his recent experience of life with the Steelers.
Ward was last seen in the NFL carrying the football for the Black and Gold during the early stages of the 2024 campaign. He can offer vital intel on the enemy ahead of the Steelers visiting M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday, December 7.
Signing Ward also means the Ravens improved their depth at a key position with more than a few question marks and one lingering injury concern.
Ravens Need Backfield Reshuffle
A reshuffle of sorts was needed after the Ravens placed useful veteran Justice Hill on injured reserve with a neck problem. Hill’s utility was most obvious on third downs, where he often proved an able pass-protector and smart receiver with the potential for the big play.
Ward won’t offer the same skills, but the 28-year-old can be a power back. The Ravens usually field a premium one of those, but two-time NFL rushing champion Derrick Henry has looked out of sorts recently.
Henry hasn’t been helped by some lopsided play-calling from offensive coordinator Todd Monken. The latter needs to get back to the Ravens’ roots of keeping the ball on the ground and punishing defenses between the tackles.
Ward can help, but the Ravens can’t ignore the speed off tackle of change of pace back Keaton Mitchell. Head coach John Harbaugh also spoke positively about Rasheen Ali’s efforts against the Bengals in Week 13.
Harbaugh told reporters Ali performed “really well” on Thanksgiving, save for “one run which he thought he was tentative on. Expects him to continue in that third-down back role,” per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.
Ward can give the Ravens another viable option for a rushing attack needing more variety, while Kwenkeu will help replace an injured player in another key area.
Ravens Plug Special Teams Gap
Undrafted free agent linebacker Chandler Martin landing on injured reserve because of a knee problem created a void on special teams for the Ravens. Fortunately, Kwenkeu is a natural fit to plug the gap as a fellow ‘backer who “played 33 snaps on special teams in two games with the Ravens in 2024 and recorded two tackles,” according to Brown.
Coverage units have long been a strength on Harbaugh’s watch, and some solid play in football’s third phase helped the Ravens win five-straight games before the limp surrender against the Bengals. Putting that right will begin this week when the Ravens must best the Steelers to take a decisive advantage in the tussle for the divisional title.
It’s a race between two 6-6 teams both struggling to impress, but the latest chapter of this storied rivalry can be a catalyst to finally get this season on track for the Ravens. Provided they win on special teams and commit to their ground game.
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