Ravens Sign Veteran Guard Michael Jordan to Practice Squad Following Vega Ioane Injury
By Brian Hradsky
BALTIMORE — October 27, 2026
The Baltimore Ravens have added veteran offensive guard Michael Jordan to their practice squad as the team looks to strengthen its offensive line following another significant injury. Baltimore announced the signing Tuesday after rookie first-round pick Vega Ioane suffered a knee injury during Sunday’s 35-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens also released veteran running back Jonathan Ward from their practice squad to create room for Jordan.
Jordan, 28, arrives in Baltimore with considerable NFL experience, having appeared in 78 regular-season games and started 49 throughout his professional career. The former Ohio State standout most recently played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025, appearing in 11 games and making nine starts. His arrival gives Baltimore another experienced option as the coaching staff evaluates its offensive line depth heading into the next portion of the season.
Ravens Respond to Vega Ioane Injury
Baltimore’s decision to add Jordan comes after Ioane suffered a reported sprained medial collateral ligament during Sunday’s loss to Cincinnati. The injury forced the rookie offensive lineman out of the game and created another challenge for a Ravens offensive line that has already undergone several changes this season. Although the injury is not expected to be a long-term problem, reports indicate Ioane could miss several weeks.
The Ravens selected Ioane in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with expectations that he would become an important piece of their offensive line. The former Penn State standout has already demonstrated his versatility by handling responsibilities at multiple interior positions. His absence leaves Baltimore searching for additional stability at a particularly important point in its season.
Emery Jones Jr. replaced Ioane against Cincinnati and played the final 51 offensive snaps at right guard, according to Ravens Wire. Andrew Vorhees has also dealt with a foot injury, complicating Baltimore’s available options along the interior. Jordan’s signing provides insurance without requiring the team to immediately make another change to its active roster.
Michael Jordan Brings Seven Seasons of NFL Experience
Jordan entered the NFL in 2019 when the Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the fourth round with the 136th overall pick. Before reaching the professional level, Jordan developed into a standout offensive lineman at Ohio State, where he played three seasons from 2016 through 2018. He earned first-team All-America recognition in 2018 before declaring for the NFL Draft.
The Bengals gave Jordan opportunities early in his professional career, and he made 19 starts over his first two seasons in Cincinnati. His experience included working at multiple positions along the offensive line, demonstrating the versatility that has helped him remain in the league. Cincinnati eventually waived Jordan before the 2021 season, opening the door for the next chapter of his career.
The Carolina Panthers claimed Jordan in September 2021 and eventually installed him as their starting left guard during the second half of that season. He appeared in 11 games and made 10 starts during his first year with Carolina. Jordan remained with the Panthers in 2022 before spending time with the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His career gained additional momentum during the 2024 season with New England, where he made 11 starts. Jordan subsequently joined Tampa Bay and appeared in 11 games during the 2025 season, starting nine contests. The Buccaneers used him at both guard positions as injuries forced changes to their offensive line.
Jordan joined the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2026 offseason but did not survive the team’s final roster cuts in August. He remained available until Baltimore signed him Tuesday, giving the Ravens an experienced player who has handled significant starting responsibilities. At 6-foot-6 and approximately 315 pounds, Jordan provides the size and professional background Baltimore can use while evaluating its options.
Baltimore’s Offensive Line Continues to Change
The Ravens have faced considerable adversity along their offensive line during the first seven games of the 2026 season. Injuries to Danny Pinter, Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic created uncertainty at center, forcing the organization to explore outside options. Baltimore addressed that situation earlier this month by acquiring two-time Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens from Philadelphia.
The addition of Jurgens allowed Ioane to return to right guard after the rookie had spent time helping at center. Baltimore hoped the adjustment would establish greater continuity across the interior offensive line. Unfortunately, Ioane’s injury against Cincinnati interrupted that plan before the group could develop much chemistry together.
Jordan’s arrival does not automatically make him the replacement for Ioane in the starting lineup. The Ravens still have other options, including Jones and Vorhees, depending on their health and the coaching staff’s evaluations. However, bringing in a veteran with 49 career starts gives Baltimore additional protection against another injury or an unexpected setback.
Offensive line continuity remains especially important for a team built around its ability to establish the running game and protect its quarterback. The Ravens have traditionally relied on physical blocking and a productive rushing attack to create favorable offensive situations. Injuries along the interior can disrupt both areas, making dependable depth a necessity rather than a luxury.
What Jordan Could Offer the Ravens
Jordan’s greatest immediate value comes from his experience and ability to play multiple interior offensive line positions. Unlike a developmental player who has never faced NFL defensive fronts, Jordan understands the preparation and physical demands associated with starting professional games. That background could help him adjust to Baltimore’s system and provide assistance if the Ravens need another offensive lineman on game day.
His recent work also offers some encouraging signs in pass protection. According to Pro Football Focus grades cited in additional reporting, Jordan recorded pass-blocking grades of 60.4 in 2024 and 71.1 in 2025. Those figures suggest improvement in that area, although they do not establish him as a clear upgrade over Baltimore’s current starters.
The Ravens must also account for the fact that Jordan has not appeared in a regular-season game during 2026. Learning Baltimore’s terminology, blocking assignments and offensive expectations will require preparation. His experience should help with that process, but the team will still need to determine how quickly he can become a dependable option.
Practice squad players can provide important flexibility throughout the NFL season. Teams can elevate eligible players for individual games or sign them to the active roster when circumstances require additional depth. Baltimore now has another potential solution available while Ioane recovers and the coaching staff works toward a more consistent offensive line combination.
Ravens Release Jonathan Ward
Baltimore created the necessary practice squad opening by releasing running back Jonathan Ward. The veteran had returned to the Ravens in August after previously spending time with the organization during the 2025 season. His departure reflects Baltimore’s immediate need for offensive line depth rather than an indication that the team has completely resolved its running back situation.
Ward entered the NFL in 2020 as an undrafted free agent from Central Michigan and began his professional career with the Arizona Cardinals. He subsequently spent time with several organizations, including the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants and New England Patriots. Much of his NFL value has come through special teams contributions and providing depth at running back.
The decision to release Ward leaves Baltimore without a running back on its practice squad, according to Tuesday’s reporting. The Ravens currently have three running backs on their active roster, although additional personnel decisions could change that arrangement. For now, the organization has prioritized adding another experienced offensive lineman.
Ravens Need Stability After Consecutive Losses
Baltimore enters this stage of the season with a 4-3 record following consecutive losses to the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. Those defeats have increased the importance of improving execution and establishing consistency on offense. Protecting the quarterback and creating dependable rushing lanes remain essential components of that effort.
Head coach Jesse Minter and offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford must determine which combination of available players gives Baltimore its best opportunity to succeed. The recent acquisition of Jurgens addressed one major area of concern, but Ioane’s injury has created another immediate problem. Jordan’s signing provides another option as the team attempts to navigate those challenges.
Baltimore does not necessarily need Jordan to become an every-week starter for this signing to provide value. If he can learn the system, remain healthy and contribute when called upon, the Ravens will have strengthened an important area of their roster. Experienced depth becomes particularly valuable as injuries accumulate during the second half of an NFL season.
MSB Take: A Sensible Move That Addresses an Immediate Need
The Ravens made a sensible decision by bringing in Michael Jordan rather than waiting for another offensive line injury to create an emergency. Baltimore has already experienced enough disruption across its offensive front, and adding a veteran with nearly 50 career starts gives the coaching staff another option. Jordan may not transform the offensive line, but his experience could become extremely valuable if additional injuries occur.
The biggest concern remains the health of Vega Ioane and Baltimore’s ability to establish a consistent starting combination. Ioane represents an important part of the organization’s future, and the Ravens should avoid rushing him back before his knee has adequately recovered. Jordan’s presence can help provide the depth necessary to approach that recovery carefully.
Baltimore must also improve its offensive execution after consecutive losses dropped the team to 4-3. The offensive line plays a central role in establishing the physical identity that has traditionally made the Ravens successful. Whether Jordan eventually earns a promotion or remains on the practice squad, this signing gives Baltimore additional flexibility during a difficult stretch.
The Ravens cannot solve every offensive problem with a practice squad transaction, but this is the type of roster management that can prevent a difficult injury situation from becoming worse. Jordan has played meaningful football for several organizations and understands what teams expect from experienced interior linemen. Baltimore will now determine whether that experience can help stabilize its offensive line as the season continues.
Maryland Sports Blog will continue monitoring the Ravens’ offensive line situation, Ioane’s recovery and any additional roster changes.
Sources: Baltimore Ravens official team announcement (October 27, 2026); Ravens Wire (October 27, 2026); Tampa Bay Buccaneers official team reporting; NFL player transaction records.
