Full Breakdown
Ravens Face Center Shuffle After Danny Pinter’s Season-Ending Injury
8/25/2026, 5:51:07 AM
Core Event
Center Danny Pinter suffered a torn right patellar tendon during a joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings. Medical staff placed a brace on his leg, and the injury was quickly identified as season-ending. Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed that Pinter will miss the entire 2026 season.
Background & Context
The Ravens entered training camp searching for a successor to three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, who departed in free agency. Pinter, a 30-year-old fifth-round pick from the 2020 draft, had emerged as the leading candidate, earning first-team reps and positioning himself for a potential starting role. His injury forces the team to rely on the remaining options at center: Jovaughn Gwyn and veteran Ethan Pocic.
Data & Statistics
- Danny Pinter – drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft; appeared in all 17 Indianapolis Colts games in 2025, starting once and playing on 13 % of offensive snaps and 17 % of special-teams snaps. Over his career he played in 77 regular-season games with 10 starts and missed the 2023 campaign after a broken ankle.
- Ethan Pocic – 31, has 97 career starts, including 13 games last season with the Cleveland Browns before a season-ending Achilles injury in December 2025. He saw his most extended action in a recent preseason game, playing 28 snaps.
- Jovaughn Gwyn – 27, has not started a regular-season game in three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, but impressed coaches with his athleticism and power during preseason reps.
- Nnamdi Madubuike – two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle who underwent neck surgery in April 2026. He was activated off the physically unable to perform list on the first day of training camp on July 29 but has not yet participated in team drills.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that Pinter’s “type of guy” will work through the setback and return. Regarding the center competition, Minter noted that both Gwyn and Pocic have “asserted themselves” and will continue to receive reps with the starters over the next few weeks. The coaching staff indicated that a decision on the starting center will be reached before the regular-season opener.
On-the-Ground Reports
Practice observations showed Pocic receiving increased snaps with the first team, while Gwyn earned his first preseason start against the Vikings and continued to work with the first-team unit on Monday. Both players are expected to compete for the role throughout the remaining preseason schedule.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No source provided a definitive timeline for Madubuike’s readiness, and the Ravens have not announced a final decision on the starting center position.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
The Ravens will evaluate Gwyn and Pocic during the final preseason practices and announce the starting center before the first regular-season game. The status of Madubuike will be reassessed as he progresses from the physically unable to perform list.