The Baltimore Ravens have made it official: Jovaughn Gwyn will be starting at center in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. All the chips fell Gwyn’s way, and after a promising summer, the fourth-year pro earned the trust to be snapping the ball to Lamar Jackson.
What does that mean for Ethan Pocic? Well, it doesn’t really change a thing. The dream of starting for the Ravens in 2026 isn’t dead.
Jesse Minter made it clear that Gwyn starting is only a Week 1 decision. He noted Pocic is still recovering from his Achilles injury, while also offering a glowing review for the veteran center.
“We know what Ethan’s capable of,” Minter said. “I think we have two really, really capable centers. Obviously one has a lot of experience and probably more proven, but is also coming off of a major injury.”
Pocic may have lost the season-opening battle, but he may not have lost the war yet.
Ethan Pocic still has a shot to start for Baltimore Ravens in 2026
Ethan Pocic should be close to returning sometime soon. He saw plenty of reps through training camp, and played 30 snaps in Baltimore’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders. He’s certainly progressing.
Ready for four quarters of NFL action, though? Maybe not.
Playing in the trenches is simply rude to the human body. When you add a 31-year-old coming off an Achilles tear to that equation, you’ll have to tread lightly with a guy like Pocic.
And while he’s hit the 9-month mark since that injury, Achilles recoveries tend to take 9 to 12 months before a player is back in playing shape. Being on the older side, Pocic may have another month before he’s ready to hit the field at full capacity.
That gives the green light to Jovaughn Gwyn. However, entering year four of his NFL career, Week 1 will be his first career start. He’s bound to endure some significant growing pains, and if he can’t overcome them, Pocic could eventually kick down the door for the starting job.
From a business standpoint, it really makes sense that the Ravens would want to get Pocic in there. They signed him to a one-year, $3.25 million deal, with $3 million guaranteed. You probably won’t sign off on that agreement if you don’t envision him snapping the ball in the 2026 regular season.
Pocic, if he can return to form, would also bring experience and certainty to the middle of the offensive front. Sure, Gwyn has familiarity with offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, but Pocic has 97 career starts. That’ll give him a ton of leverage in the competition as the season progresses.
It's Gwyn's spot to lose. Any hiccups in his performance, though, and Pocic could immediately be breathing down his neck. It doesn't sound like the center battle is over.
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