Full Breakdown
Ravens Center Danny Pinter Sidelined by Torn Patellar Tendon
8/21/2026, 11:25:56 AM
Core Event: Injury During Joint Practice
During a joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings, Ravens center Danny Pinter suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right leg. The injury was severe enough to require a brace and removal from the field, and NFL Network reported that the tear is typically season-ending.
Background & Context
The Ravens entered training camp needing to replace Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, who left in free agency for a three-year, $81 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. Pinter, a 30-year-old who signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal in late March, had been the frontrunner for the starting role after working closely with the offensive unit throughout the offseason. The team also signed veteran Ethan Pocic in July and acquired Jovaughn Gwyn in March to create a three-way competition at center.
Data & Statistics
- Pinter appeared in 77 career games with 10 starts, all with the Indianapolis Colts before joining Baltimore.
- He signed a one-year contract worth $2.8 million with the Ravens.
- Pocic has 97 career starts over nine seasons, including 13 starts for the Cleveland Browns last season, and signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract (including $3 million guaranteed).
- Gwyn, 27, has logged only 11 career offensive snaps but received a strong preseason grade from Pro Football Focus.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Jesse Minter said the injury details would remain private but indicated that Pinter will miss an extended period and will receive additional medical opinions. Minter emphasized that the competition at center remains open, noting that both Pocic and Gwyn have shown poise against the Vikings’ defensive schemes. He also highlighted the timing of Pocic’s increased workload and the readiness of backup Corey Bullock, who is expected to see snaps in the upcoming preseason game against the Vikings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Not going to speak on details of it right now, but probably will miss an extended amount of time,” — Head Coach Jesse Minter
- “We'll see how it shakes out,” — Jesse Minter, head coach
- “It's probably still a competition and we'll see how it shakes out over these next couple weeks,” — Jesse Minter, head coach
- “The timing for both of those guys [Pocic and Bullock] is good to ramp into the competition,” — Jesse Minter, head coach
Impact on Center Competition
With Pinter out, Pocic becomes the most likely candidate to assume the starting role, though he is still regaining form after an Achilles tear suffered in December of the previous year. Gwyn’s strong preseason performance and familiarity with offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford keep him in contention, while Bullock’s activation adds depth. The Ravens must decide whether to promote from within or explore the free-agent market for another experienced center before finalizing the 53-man roster.
What’s Next
The Ravens will conclude their preseason with a joint practice against the Vikings followed by a game against the Washington Commanders. Roster decisions, including the final center selection, will be made in the weeks leading up to the regular season kickoff.
