The Baltimore Ravens moved quickly to reinforce their offensive line after injuries left them dangerously thin at center.
Baltimore signed veteran center Andre James and guard Kyle Hergel to the practice squad while adding safety K’Von Wallace to the 53-man roster, the team announced Wednesday.
The addition of James is the most significant move for an offense facing immediate uncertainty at center. Starting center Jovaughn Gwyn reportedly suffered a fractured fibula against the Dallas Cowboys and is expected to miss two to three months. Veteran backup Ethan Pocic is also dealing with a knee injury. Those developments left first-round pick Vega Ioane preparing for what could become his first NFL start at center. Ioane has already started three games
at guard, but moving inside would require him to handle a different set of responsibilities, including identifying protections and delivering consistently accurate snaps to Lamar Jackson.
James gives Baltimore an experienced alternative if Pocic remains unavailable or the coaching staff determines Ioane is better utilized at guard.
The 29-year-old James has started 61 of his 80 career appearances, including the postseason. He became the Raiders’ full-time center in 2021 and spent the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers. James appeared in all 17 games for Los Angeles but made only one start.
His experience could become valuable even if he does not immediately enter the starting lineup. Centers must develop timing with the quarterback, understand the offense’s protection system and communicate adjustments across the line. A practice-squad spot gives James time to begin that process without forcing Baltimore into an immediate commitment.
Hergel offers a different type of insurance. The 26-year-old is listed at 6-foot-2 and 315 pounds and has experience at multiple interior positions. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Boston College and previously spent time with New Orleans and Chicago. The Ravens worked out Hergel earlier in the week before signing him. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Declan Doyle from their time in Chicago should help shorten the transition into Baltimore’s system.
Neither practice-squad addition guarantees an immediate change to the starting five. Ioane could remain the leading option to replace Gwyn, particularly after opening the season as a starter. James’ arrival, however, gives the Ravens a proven center if they decide the rookie’s long-term development is better served at his natural guard position.
K’Von Wallace earns a spot on the active roster.
Baltimore also signed Wallace from the practice squad to the 53-man roster after elevating him for the Ravens’ Week 3 victory over Dallas.
The veteran safety initially signed with Baltimore in May, was released during final roster reductions, and returned to the practice squad. Wallace has appeared in 74 NFL games with 20 starts, producing 177 tackles, eight pass breakups and one interception. He has also played extensively on special teams.
His promotion gives the Ravens another experienced option behind Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks and Jaylinn Hawkins. It also provides useful insurance while Starks manages the groin injury that limited him during preparations for the Dallas game.
Wallace does not need to displace one of Baltimore’s starting safeties to justify the move. His ability to contribute in subpackages and on special teams makes him a practical addition to the game-day roster.
What the moves mean for Baltimore
The Ravens’ three additions address two different needs.
Wallace is prepared to contribute immediately after spending the offseason and the start of the regular season in Baltimore’s system. James and Hergel represent contingency plans for an offensive line whose depth has been severely tested.
James is best positioned to change the immediate picture. His starting experience gives Baltimore a credible option if Pocic’s knee injury lingers or Ioane struggles to transition to center. Hergel supplies developmental depth and positional flexibility, while Wallace strengthens the back end of the roster without requiring an adjustment period.
The Ravens would prefer continuity along the offensive line, particularly with Tennessee’s Jeffery Simmons awaiting them in Week 4. Injuries have made that impossible. Their latest moves at least give the coaching staff more than one path forward.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens sign 2 offensive linemen, promote K’Von Wallace to active roster
