Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said injuries to centers Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic, suffered Sunday in Brazil, appear long-term. Rookie Vega Ioane will prepare at center. The Ravens returned from Brazil with a win and a serious problem at center.
Coach Jesse Minter said Monday that injuries to starting center Jovaughn Gwyn and backup Ethan Pocic appear to be long-term, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. Gwyn injured his ankle during Sunday’s 34-31 win over Dallas. Pocic replaced him but later left with a knee injury.
First-round rookie Vega Ioane finished the game at center and will prepare to play there, Minter said. The coach also raised the possibility of adding a center. No timetable has been announced for either injured player.
"They both look like they'll be a little bit longterm."
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 28, 2026
Coach Minter on center: pic.twitter.com/BelQg2Uw3u
An emergency option becomes part of the plan
Ioane moved over from right guard after Pocic went down and handled the snaps on Baltimore’s final touchdown drive. He had practiced snapping as a precaution, but his regular role has been at guard. He played only 17 snaps at center during his college career at Penn State. Preparing Ioane at center gives Baltimore an immediate option. Playing him there for an extended stretch would also open a right guard spot, turning two injuries into a broader decision about the line protecting Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens have already lost Danny Pinter to a knee injury sustained before the season. Gwyn then won the starting job, with Pocic providing experienced depth. After both were hurt against Dallas, Baltimore is running short of its original options at the position.
Minter’s comments make this more than a one-game adjustment. The Ravens must prepare Ioane to snap while determining whether an available center can help them preserve the rest of their starting line.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jesse Minter: Ravens’ injuries at center appear to be long-term
