(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Baltimore Ravens have suffered a significant setback at center, with Danny Pinter expected to miss an extended period after suffering a serious right leg injury during Wednesday’s joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings.
Pinter suffered a torn patellar tendon, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport. The injury is typically season-ending, putting his 2026 campaign in serious jeopardy before the regular season begins.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter confirmed Thursday that Pinter would miss significant time but said the veteran center would seek additional medical opinions before the team determines the next steps.
Pinter Was Emerging as Starting Center
Pinter, 30, had emerged as the favorite to replace Tyler Linderbaum as Baltimore’s starting center.
The veteran was carted off the field Wednesday after appearing to get rolled up at the end of a play during the joint practice. He was later seen wearing a brace on his right leg.
Pinter had been taking most of the first-team snaps throughout training camp and started Baltimore’s preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The injury is particularly disappointing for Pinter because he was closing in on a starting role for the first time in his six-year NFL career.
Ravens Need New Answer at Center
Baltimore entered training camp with an unsettled situation at center following Linderbaum’s departure in free agency.
Linderbaum signed a record-setting three-year, $81 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving the Ravens searching for his replacement.
Pinter joined the competition alongside Ethan Pocic and Jovaughn Gwyn and had seemingly moved ahead of both players on the depth chart.
Now, Baltimore will have to determine who can step into the starting role alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Ethan Pocic Could Get His Chance
Pocic is the most obvious candidate to replace Pinter.
The Ravens signed the veteran center to a one-year, $3.25 million contract last month, including $3 million guaranteed. He has 97 career starts over nine NFL seasons and started 13 games for the Cleveland Browns last season.
However, Pocic has been brought along slowly during training camp as he continues his recovery from a torn Achilles suffered last December.
Minter said the plan had already been to increase Pocic’s workload this week, meaning the timing could allow him to take advantage of the opportunity created by Pinter’s injury.
“It’s probably still a competition and we’ll see how it shakes out over these next couple weeks,” Minter said.
Ravens Could Turn to Jovaughn Gwyn
Jovaughn Gwyn will also have an opportunity to compete for the starting job.
Gwyn has been part of the center competition throughout camp and could now receive more first-team reps with Pinter sidelined.
Corey Bullock is another option. The Ravens activated Bullock from the non-football illness list on Aug. 5, and Minter confirmed that he will “absolutely” receive snaps at center during Saturday’s preseason game against the Vikings.
“The timing for both of those guys [Pocic and Bullock] is good to ramp into the competition,” Minter said.
Ravens Face More Offensive Line Uncertainty
Pinter’s injury creates another challenge for a Ravens offensive line already undergoing significant changes.
Baltimore must replace Linderbaum while also determining which combination of players can provide consistency in front of Jackson.
Pocic’s recovery from his Achilles injury adds another layer of uncertainty, while Gwyn and Bullock now have an opportunity to compete for a much larger role.
The Ravens could also explore the free-agent market for another experienced center if they determine their current options aren’t enough.
Regardless of who ultimately wins the job, losing Pinter after he had established himself as the frontrunner is a major blow to Baltimore’s plans heading into the 2026 season.
