Jovaughn Gwyn Wins the Ravens’ Week 1 Start at Center

Jovaughn Gwyn sets his stance on the Baltimore Ravens offensive line.

Jovaughn Gwyn is the Ravens’ starting center for Week 1. Head coach Jesse Minter announced Monday that Gwyn will start when Baltimore opens the season at Indianapolis, giving the fourth-year lineman the first start of his NFL career in one of the offense’s most important communication roles.

Gwyn emerged from a competition reshaped by injury. Danny Pinter suffered a season-ending knee injury during the August 19 joint practice with Minnesota, while veteran Ethan Pocic arrived later in camp as he worked back from a torn Achilles. Minter called the choice a Week 1 decision rather than a permanent depth-chart declaration.

That distinction raises the pressure without diminishing the opportunity. Gwyn spent his first three NFL seasons in Atlanta, where current Ravens offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford also coached him. Familiarity with Ledford’s terminology and run-game structure helped Gwyn handle extended work with Baltimore’s starters during the closing weeks of camp.

The first assignment will test that preparation immediately. Indianapolis features veteran defensive tackles DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, a pairing capable of disrupting the middle of the pocket and forcing an offense off schedule. Gwyn must manage the protection calls, deliver clean exchanges and keep the interior stable enough for Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to control tempo.

Baltimore’s front already entered the season carrying attention after the club’s major investment in Trey Hendrickson on defense. The center decision resolves a different question: who will replace Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum at the point where every offensive play begins.

Minter said the staff has confidence in both Gwyn and Pocic, but believes Gwyn gives the Ravens their best chance to operate in the opener. That leaves the job open to continued evaluation, not uncertainty. Gwyn earned the first turn. Now his performance against the Colts will determine whether Week 1 becomes the start of something longer.