Multiple injuries at center are forcing the Baltimore Ravens to get creative in shufflnig positions along their offensive line, or explore the trade and free-agent markets for help.
Starting center Jovaughn Gwyn had to be carted off the field due to an ankle injury suffered in the second half of the Ravens’ 34-31 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil on Sunday. But the team also lost Gwyn’s backup, Ethan Pocic, to a knee injury.
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Ravens coach Jesse Minter told reporters that both players’ injuries appear to be long-term. Both players will likely go on injured reserve and miss a minimum of four weeks. In the meantime, the plan is to move first-round pick Vega Ioane from right guard to center for Baltimore’s Week 4 matchup with the Tennessee Titans.
“Major shout-out to him,” Minter said of Ioane. “To be a first-round pick and sort of deal with the pressure… obviously, to be rolled in there as a starter from the beginning… credit to the O-line coaches for, over the last few weeks, starting to work him there a little bit.”
Additionally, the Ravens lost center Danny Pinter, projected to be the starter, during training camp to a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. The team already went into this season needing to work in a new starter at center after losing three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum in free agency to the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Baltimore did not have another center on its practice squad and now may have to scour other teams’ practice rosters for a replacement.
Ioane, 22, was selected No. 14 overall in this year’s NFL Draft out of Penn State, where he earned First Team All-American honors. He was the third offensive lineman drafted in the first round and first guard taken.
The rookie took over at center on the Ravens’ final two drives, which resulted in a touchdown and the game-winning field goal.
Moving Ioane to center necessitates other changes on the offensive line. Andrew Vorhees took over at right guard versus the Cowboys in Ioane’s place.
