While most of the attention was on the Baltimore Ravens‘ skill players in their 13-3 preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings, there were other reasons to watch the game.
Everyone has been excited about the preseason quarterback play and how rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane has dominated. Overall, the Ravens’ offense was pretty quiet, finishing with 242 yards in the win.
What should have been the focus was on the offensive line, with one position battle everyone should have watched: center. After Danny Pinter was reported to be out for a while, the Ravens must look for a new center to start in 2026.
How the Baltimore Ravens Handled the Center Position Against the Vikings
GettyOWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND – JUNE 09: Head coach Jesse Minter of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during Baltimore Ravens Mandatory Minicamp at Under Armour Performance Center on June 09, 2026 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
ESPN Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley shared his observations of what he saw at the center position in the Vikings game. Baltimore showed how it wants to handle the position battle for now.
“Center battle: Jovaughn Gwyn started and played the first four series. Ethan Pocic, who didn’t enter the preseason opener until the fourth quarter, took over at center late in the second quarter. This is the competition to watch after Danny Pinter hurt his knee and is out for an extended period.”
—It was rough going for Tyler Huntley and the offense. Huntley completed two passes to tight end Josh Cuevas for 40 yards. His other three completions went for 23 yards.
—Ravens are thin at RB. Baltimore doesn’t have 4 RBs suited up:
Pocic is coming back from his torn Achilles injury he suffered last season with the Cleveland Browns last year. This was his second game back, and he played through most of the fourth quarter until Corey Bullock replaced him
Gwyn has been the starter since Pinter’s injury throughout training camp this past week. It appears as though he will continue to hold that position for the time being.
Big Week for Baltimore Ravens With Decision to Make at Center
GettyOWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND – JUNE 09: Head coach Jesse Minter of the Baltimore Ravens talks to the media after Baltimore Ravens Mandatory Minicamp at Under Armour Performance Center on June 09, 2026 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The center position will take time to figure out until the end of training camp. Gwyn and Pocic will battle it out over the next week plus.
Pocic should be the favorite to win the job since he had plenty of experience as a starter for the Browns and Seattle Seahawks. He has started plenty of games and would give the Ravens the confidence they need to move forward.
This has become an issue for the Ravens, as the Vikings game exposed problems with the interior offensive line. Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley dealt with a lot of pressure from Minnesota’s defense and had to use his legs a lot.
There will need to be more evaluation at center, as Gwyn and Pocic will have to split reps at center in training camp and preseason. The next week or so will be the biggest determination of how the Ravens view the center position.
Ravens Showed Clear Plan at Pivotal Position Battle in Vikings Game