Ravens first-round pick Vega Ioane to make first NFL start at center vs. Titans
Baltimore's rookie guard is sliding to center for Sunday's game against Tennessee after the Ravens lost four centers to injury or free agency
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The Baltimore Ravens are turning to a first-round rookie to anchor their offensive line in a pinch. Guard Vega Ioane is set to make his first NFL start at center for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans.
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter): Ravens first-round pick, guard Vega Ioane, is set to make his first NFL start at center today vs. the Titans. Ioane needs to move there because the Ravens lost center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency to the Raiders, center Danny Pinter to a season-ending knee injury, center Jovaughn Gwyn to a fracture in his lower leg, and center Ethan Pocic to a knee injury.
Ioane is making the move because the Ravens have been decimated at the position. Tyler Linderbaum left in free agency to the Raiders, Danny Pinter is out for the season with a knee injury, Jovaughn Gwyn is sidelined with a fracture in his lower leg, and Ethan Pocic is dealing with a knee injury.
That cascade left Baltimore with no healthy, experienced center on the roster, forcing the coaching staff to slide the rookie guard into the middle of the line for his first career start. It is a significant test for Ioane, who was drafted as a guard but now must handle the snap responsibilities and protection calls against a Titans front that features a disruptive interior.
The Ravens' offensive line has been a patchwork all season, and Sunday's game against Tennessee will be a key early test of how well the reshuffled unit can protect quarterback Lamar Jackson and open lanes for the running game.