The whole point of having a practice squad is stashing players there until you need them in an emergency and, if they prove they deserve it, when the time comes they get a full-time job.
The time has come for defensive tackle and former first round pick Taven Bryan, who the Baltimore Ravens announced was joining their 53-man roster on Saturday, November 15, after they signed him to the practice squad on September 24.
Bryan has been something of a good luck charm for the Ravens. He’s been on the active roster for the last 3 regular season gams — all Baltimore wins. The Ravens have bounced back from a 1-5 start and are now 4-5 headed into a Week 11 AFC North Division road game against the Cleveland Browns.
“We have placed LB Jay Higgins IV on Injured Reserve and signed DT Taven Bryan from the practice squad to the 53-man roster,” the Ravens wrote on their official X account. “Additionally, we have activated LB Chandler Martin and DB Amani Oruwariye from the practice squad (standard elevations) for tomorrow’s game.”
Bryan, 6-foot-5 and 291 pounds, was a first round pick (No. 29 overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2018 NFL draft out of the University of Florida.
Bryan signed a 4-year, $10.15 million rookie contract and became a free agent after the 2021 season. He played for the Browns on 1 -year, $4 million contract, then played 2 seasons for the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 and 2024. He was cut by the Cincinnati Bengals in August before landing with the Ravens.
There’s some irony with Bryan ending up with the Ravens. He’s perhaps best known for being one of the last few picks to go off the board before Baltimore selected 2-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson with the final pick of the first round — just 3 picks after Bryan was selected.
“Former general manager Dave Caldwell’s stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars was marred with baffling decisions,” Black & Teal’s Carlos Sanchez wrote in July. “One of the worst ones probably was picking Taven Bryan over Lamar Jackson in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft … But instead of the best passer available at that moment, Caldwell chose to fortify the defensive trenches. Fast forward to 2025, and Jackson is one of the top quarterbacks in the league, while Bryan’s career is hanging by a thread.”
The Ravens lost one of the NFL’s elite defensive linemen when NFL All-Pro defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike suffered a season ending — hopefully not career ending — neck injury in Week 2.
Baltimore also let the NFL trade deadline pass without making a move to shore up the position, which is perhaps a testament to how well veteran Travis Jones has played as well as the depth a player like Bryan has supplied.
That doesn’t mean it might not still come back to bite the Ravens later.
From Bleacher Report: “The Ravens took a significant loss when they placed two-time Pro Bowler Nnamdi Madubuike on injured reserve. Baltimore fields the 21st-ranked run defense, giving up 4.5 yards per carry, which ranks 22nd across the league. Without Madubuike, the Ravens don’t have enough beef up front to slow down physical ground attacks, which may become a problem as temperatures drop in cold-weather November and December games. They needed an addition on the interior of the defensive line.”
In a surprising and heart-warming announcement, San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York has officially unveiled a $5 ticket day at Levi’s Stadium — a move that fans are already calling “the most generous community gesture in franchise history.”
The special event is designed to give low-income families a rare chance to attend an NFL game at a price that’s almost unheard of in modern professional sports. For thousands of people across the Bay Area, this may be their first-ever opportunity to experience the energy, noise, and atmosphere of a live 49ers home game.
Jed York explained the motivation behind the initiative in a team statement:
“We want to open the doors of Levi’s Stadium to everyone. Football isn’t just for those who can afford it — it’s a shared pride of the entire San Francisco 49ers community.”
Within minutes of the news breaking, social media erupted. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with emotional reactions, calling the decision “historic,” “incredible,” and “a game-changer for the city.” One long-time supporter posted:
“I’ve loved the 49ers for 20 years but never had the money to go to a game. This time, I’m bringing my whole family. I’m still in shock.”
Sports analysts also praised the initiative, pointing out that this move goes far beyond football. It signals a powerful shift toward community engagement and accessibility at the highest level of American sports. One NFL analyst commented:
“If more teams followed the 49ers’ lead, the league would feel far more connected to the everyday fans who support it.”
In addition to the $5 admission price, the 49ers are reportedly coordinating with local organizations to provide discounted transportation options, affordable meal packages, and a family-friendly zone inside the stadium. These added features underline the event’s community-centered purpose — turning it into more than just a game, but a genuine celebration for the city of San Francisco.
Demand for the tickets is expected to be overwhelming, with experts predicting a complete sell-out within minutes. Many believe the atmosphere on game day could be one of the most emotional and energized crowds in the stadium’s modern history.
With this bold gesture, Jed York isn’t just making headlines — he’s redefining what it means for an NFL franchise to give back. His initiative positions the San Francisco 49ers as a team committed to equity, unity, and the belief that football should be shared by everyone.