The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for a significant change along their offensive line after starting center Jovaughn Gwyn suffered a fractured fibula. Gwyn is expected to miss two to three months and will likely require surgery, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The extended timetable makes Gwyn a likely candidate for injured reserve and leaves Baltimore without the player who won its starting-center competition during training camp.
The Ravens’ depth at the position is also being tested. Veteran backup Ethan Pocic is dealing with a knee injury, leaving rookie first-round pick Vega Ioane as the leading option to start at center.
Ravens starting center Jovaughn Gwyn suffered a fractured fibula that will likely require surgery, per source. Injury
could put Gwyn — who won the team’s center battle in camp — out for two-to-three months. pic.twitter.com/3IDjtrGVzL
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 30, 2026
Ioane is preparing to make his first NFL start when Baltimore faces the Tennessee Titans in Week 4. Moving a rookie into the middle of the offensive line creates an immediate challenge because the center must identify fronts, communicate protections, and maintain a clean exchange with quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Baltimore’s offensive line already faced questions after its 34-31 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro. The Ravens escaped with the win, but the injuries to Gwyn and Pocic could force another adjustment before their next game.
The team began exploring outside options Tuesday by working out veteran interior offensive linemen Graham Glasgow, Kingsley Eguakun and Kyle Hergel. Glasgow offers the most experience of the group, having made 136 career starts during stints with the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos. Eguakun started two games at center for Detroit last season, while Hergel appeared in eight games for the New Orleans Saints.
Those workouts suggest Baltimore could add one or more offensive linemen, particularly if Gwyn and Pocic are placed on injured reserve. Any addition would provide needed depth, but a newcomer would also need to transition quickly into the Ravens’ terminology and protection system.
For now, the focus shifts to Ioane. The Ravens invested a first-round pick in the rookie because of his power, versatility, and long-term potential along the interior. Gwyn’s injury may accelerate that plan considerably.
Ioane will not be expected to replace Gwyn without growing pains. Baltimore can help him by leaning on Jackson’s experience, simplifying communication when necessary, and providing support from the guards on both sides of him. The Ravens must also determine whether Ioane is a short-term emergency solution or their best option until Gwyn returns.
Gwyn’s injury is a major loss for an offense that had begun building continuity up front. It also creates an early opportunity for one of Baltimore’s most important young players. Ioane’s first test could come much sooner than expected, with the Ravens’ offensive line's stability depending heavily on how quickly he adjusts.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens' Jovaughn Gwyn expected to miss 2-3 months with fractured fibula
