The Baltimore Ravens’ starting center in 2026 is anything but a sure thing. It's a storm they have yet to weather since Tyler Linderbaum's departure. On Wednesday, the clouds looming over their center spot somehow got even larger.
During Baltimore’s joint practice against the Minnesota Vikings, Danny Pinter was carted off the field with an injury. Reports are that he had a brace on his right leg. Following practice, head coach Jesse Minter did not provide any updates, mentioning that Pinter is going to get tests done.
This is yet another bump in the Ravens’ offseason roller-coaster ride at center. They lost Linderbaum, failed to replace him in the 2026 NFL Draft, signed three starting options in free agency, but are now in danger of losing one of them in Pinter.
Danny Pinter injury might’ve thrown wrench into Baltimore Ravens’ center plans
As they were gearing up for the second week of preseason action, the Ravens had three contenders to take snaps at center: Danny Pinter, Ethan Pocic, and Jovaughn Gwyn.
Many initially believed that Pocic would be the shoo-in (and he still could), but it’s clear that his late-season Achilles tear is still hampering him slightly. He’s still ramping up to be fully unleashed, so maybe Week 1 is outside of the realm of possibilities.
That Pocic realization initially had many eyeing down Pinter to start, but obviously, that might change, too. It’s been a wild ride of uncertainty, and it's really been torturous.
Of course, we don’t know the extent of Pinter’s injury, but given that he had a cast on his leg, it’s fair to be concerned. Even if he avoids the worst-case scenario, there’s a danger that he misses the season-opener against the Indianapolis Colts. It’s less than a month away.
That might only leave Gwyn. It’s getting to the point where he’s quite possibly the only body healthy enough to start come time for the regular season. Going from Linderbaum to the current situation…that’s pretty darn rough.
Thankfully, Gwyn has been a standout during training camp, and his Ravens debut against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday night was cluttered with eye-catching moments. Over 51 snaps, he earned a 90.8 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus. Talk about an elite way to announce your presence to your new fans.
Baltimore needs one of these guys to stick, though. Whether it be Gwyn continuing his stellar play, Pocic recovering and returning to his usual self, or Pinter avoiding major injury, this team is desperate for something to finally fall their way on the center front. They badly need a trusted face in the middle if they want to compete for a Super Bowl this year.
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