The Baltimore Ravens' center position has been heavily questioned since the departure of Tyler Linderbaum this offseason. Danny Pinter being carted off Wednesday's joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings only adds to the concerns. With Ethan Pocic recovering from his Achilles injury, Pinter seemed likely to earn the starting job. Relevantly, he started during the Ravens' first preseason game.
On Thursday, it was revealed that Pinter suffered a torn patella tendon, which is usually a season-ender. That's a devastating loss.
There are clear football implications here, though. Most notably, preseason hero Jovaughn Gwyn could be vaulted into the driver's seat of the Ravens' center battle. Even before Pinter's injury, Gwyn's stellar preseason performance clearly changed the complexion of the Ravens' center battle to some degree.
Jovaughn Gwyn could earn the Baltimore Ravens' starting center job
It felt like Pocic (who has been a reliable starter throughout his career) was signed to be the Ravens' starting center. However, he hasn't been getting a ton of reps at camp, and he did not see much time in the Ravens' first preseason game. Given that he's coming off an Achilles injury in December, this isn't totally shocking, though.
Now, Pocic is set to get an increased workload, but the health question looms large.
On the other hand, Gwyn looked fantastic in his preseason debut. He earned a 90.8 PFF grade, showcasing strong movement and physicality. After Pinter went down with an injury in Wednesday's joint practice, Gwyn took over with the first team and made some big plays, including a massive block to open up a run for Derrick Henry.
These factors clearly give Gwyn a path to earn the starting center job.
Gwyn has no experience. In three years in the NFL (all with the Atlanta Falcons), he's started in zero games. Should Gwyn earn the starting job, this will, of course, be a major question mark. And yes, this isn't exactly ideal for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
However, Gwyn has performed well in preseason and training camp, which has to count for something. He might be unproven, but he's showing all the right signs, and the Ravens could have a diamond in the rough on their hands.
If he earns the starting job and struggles, Pocic could be healthy enough to take over the starting gig.
Gwyn can't take his foot off the gas, but there's a clear opportunity ahead of him to earn the starting job, and with how he is playing, there's a chance he'll be a serviceable center.
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