Baltimore‘s change at center could last well beyond Week 4. Reports on Wednesday indicated that Jovaughn Gwyn suffered a fractured fibula and could miss two to three months.
Surgery was reported to be likely. That timetable remains a reported estimate rather than a return date announced by the Ravens.
The immediate replacement plan was already taking shape. Coach Jesse Minter said Monday that rookie Vega Ioane would prepare at center after Gwyn and backup Ethan Pocic were injured in Sunday’s victory over Dallas.
One injury forces two changes
Ioane began the season at right guard but shifted to center in the fourth quarter against the Cowboys. Andrew Vorhees then finished the game at right guard. Baltimore therefore has more than one position to settle as it prepares to host Tennessee.
Minter said both Gwyn and Pocic appeared headed for extended absences. Baltimore subsequently signed center Andre James and guard Kyle Hergel to its practice squad on September 30, adding depth while Ioane prepared for the Tennessee game.
There was some preparation behind Ioane’s emergency assignment. Minter said the coaches had worked him at center in recent weeks, and praised how he handled the switch during the closing stages against Dallas.
October 2 update: both centers ruled out
Baltimore ruled Gwyn (ankle) and Pocic (knee) out for the October 4 game against Tennessee after neither practiced during the week. Ronnie Stanley (toe) is questionable after missing Friday’s session; coach Jesse Minter described the approach as giving him the best opportunity to play after two days of practice.
The new practice-squad signings do not by themselves change the starting-center plan or put either veteran on the game-day roster. Baltimore is still preparing Ioane for the role while it rebuilds depth behind him.
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