Several Ravens players who do not survive the final roster reduction could return to the organization less than 24 hours later.
Baltimore can begin forming its 2026 practice squad after the NFL’s waiver-claim period expires at 1 p.m. ET Monday, Aug. 31. The league must first distribute a personnel notice informing every team which players were claimed and which became available. The Ravens cannot sign one of their waived players before that process is completed. Players with fewer than four credited seasons are exposed to claims, and Baltimore does not receive any special right to retain its own cuts.
Vested veterans can negotiate immediately after being released because they are not subject to waivers during this part of the NFL calendar. Baltimore
can assemble a standard 16-player practice squad. A 17th spot is available only when a team has and designates a qualifying International Player Pathway participant. It is not an automatic additional position.
NFL eligibility rules give the Ravens room to balance developing players with experienced reserves. Up to 10 players can have no more than two accrued seasons, while as many as six can possess unlimited NFL experience.
Several reported or logical return candidates have already emerged. Safety K’Von Wallace is expected to return after missing the initial roster, while outside linebacker Kaimon Rucker and running back Jonathan Ward have been connected to possible practice-squad agreements if available. Receiver Chris Moore and cornerback Robert Longerbeam also fit as potential candidates.
Other organizations can disrupt those plans by claiming an eligible player or offering a more attractive opportunity after he clears. The Ravens must therefore build contingency lists at every position.
Practice-squad players can develop, participate in meetings and provide depth during the season. Teams can also elevate as many as two players for each game without immediately adding them to the permanent 53-man roster. A player can be elevated three times under the standard procedure before the club must sign him to the active roster for another appearance.
For Baltimore, the practice squad will function as an extension of the roster rather than a fixed developmental list. Injuries, waiver activity and weekly matchup needs will ensure the group continues changing throughout the season.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens practice squad rules, limits, and candidates for 2026
