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Gwyn, who entered the league in 2023, is set to make his first career start after logging just 11 offensive snaps during his professional tenure. His promotion follows an open competition held throughout the spring and summer, which saw the team navigate the void left by three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, who departed for the Las Vegas Raiders during free agency in March.
A New Opportunity in the Trenches
The path to the starting job saw several shifts, particularly following a season-ending right leg injury sustained by Danny Pinter on August 20, who had previously appeared to be the frontrunner for the position. Gwyn capitalized on the opportunity by starting the final two preseason games, demonstrating enough consistency to earn the coaching staff's trust for the Week 1 matchup.
Coach Minter expressed clear confidence in the decision, noting that while the move is specific to the opening game, it reflects the progress Gwyn has made during recent weeks of training camp. The center brings a level of familiarity to the role, having previously worked under Ravens offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford during their shared time with the Atlanta Falcons.
The decision to start Gwyn comes ahead of veteran Ethan Pocic, who remains in the mix despite having 97 career starts to his name. Minter acknowledged Pocic’s experience but emphasized that the staff is prioritizing Gwyn’s current readiness as the veteran continues to recover from an Achilles injury sustained nine months ago. Minter clarified that the decision is currently focused on the immediate challenge against Indianapolis rather than being a permanent appointment for the entire season.
Injury Updates and Defensive Outlook
Beyond the offensive line adjustments, the Ravens are monitoring the health of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike. The defender has been sidelined since late last season due to a neck injury that required surgery in April.
Minter indicated that Madubuike is trending in a positive direction, with plans for the defensive tackle to participate in team drills throughout the week. While his status for Sunday remains uncertain, the coaching staff intends to evaluate his progress closely as the team prepares for the season opener. The final determination regarding his availability will be made as the game approaches.
