Baltimore added experienced help for its depleted offensive line Wednesday, signing center Andre James and guard Kyle Hergel to the practice squad as rookie Vega Ioane prepares to start at center against Tennessee.
The signings give the Ravens alternatives after injuries to Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic in Sunday’s win over Dallas. Danny Pinter had already been lost to a season-ending knee injury during training camp.
James brings 61 career starts, most with Las Vegas, where he was the regular starter from 2021 through 2024. Hergel has not started an NFL game, but his time on Chicago’s practice squad connected him with current Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.
Baltimore also promoted safety K’Von Wallace to the active roster, adding experience in the secondary while the offensive-line newcomers begin learning their assignments.
Stanley back on the field
There was encouraging news at left tackle, too. Ronnie Stanley returned as a limited participant after a toe injury kept him out against Dallas. Receiver Zay Flowers was also limited after playing 21 snaps in that game while returning from a hamstring issue.
Lamar Jackson practiced on a limited basis with a back issue after he was initially absent from the portion of practice open to reporters. His early absence therefore should not be read as confirmation that he missed the day’s session.
October 1 update: James rebuilding, Ioane preparing
Andre James said Thursday he is recovering from a high ankle sprain and that Wednesday was his first football practice in a month. Alongside that return to work, he is learning Baltimore’s offense. His signing therefore does not establish an immediate starting role.
Vega Ioane remains expected to make his first start at center against Tennessee. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said the offense needs stronger communication to help him through the transition.
Ronnie Stanley was limited again Thursday. Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic did not practice, while Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers progressed to full participation.
October 2 update: final game designations
Gwyn and Pocic are now ruled out against Tennessee. Stanley and Flowers are questionable, along with receiver Chris Moore (ankle). Flowers was limited Friday after practicing fully Thursday; Stanley did not practice Friday. Their designations leave Sunday’s availability unresolved.
Jackson practiced fully again Friday and has no game-status designation. Minter said the quarterback had received his normal workload over the last two practices.
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