Ravens starting center
Ravens starting center
The Baltimore Ravens have a new starting center. Tasked to fill the big shoes left by Tyler Linderbaum is Jovaughn Gwyn. Speaking to reporters Monday, head coach Jesse Minter announced Gwyn received the nod over veteran Ethan Pocic for Sunday’s opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
“Have a lot of confidence in him,” Minter said of Gwyn via The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer. “This is a guy [who], when opportunity knocks, he’s ready to take advantage. He’s done a really good job. Obviously, he’s repped a lot with our starters over the last couple of weeks.”
Jesse Minter opens his first regular-season Monday news conference as an NFL head coach with an expected starting announcement:
Jovaughn Gwyn is the Week 1 starter vs. Indianapolis, beating out Ethan Pocic. pic.twitter.com/O5pstUSvSD
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) September 7, 2026
Local insiders expected Gwyn to start the year, especially with Pocic battling a recent injury. It will be Gwyn’s first career start. To date, he’s been a deep reserve with just 11 career snaps, all last year with the Atlanta Falcons.
Baltimore did little to replace Linderbaum after he departed in free agency to sign a mega-contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Ravens addressed their offensive line in the first round but focused on guard, taking Penn State’s Vega Ioane. Center never received the same investment.
Pittsburgh has its own questions along the offensive line. Mike McCarthy didn’t commit to a starting right tackle yesterday, although his press conference strongly hinted Dylan Cook would start over rookie Max Iheanachor.
Minter warned the decision was for Week 1, a not-so-subtle nod that Gwyn’s spot is far from cemented. By the time the Steelers face the Ravens in Week 15, Pocic could be manning the spot or a third candidate could throw his hat into the ring.
Gwyn’s first test will be the Colts’ defensive line led by veteran Grover Stewart, a full-time starter since 2019. Center will be one of the most pivotal positions to watch in Minter’s first year. If it becomes a pain point, the organization’s inaction won’t be forgotten.