Ravens center crisis forces rookie Vega Ioane into starting role as former Lions seek tryouts

Key points

• Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic suffered long-term injuries during the Ravens' Week 3 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil, leaving Baltimore with zero experienced centers on the roster.
• Rookie first-round pick Vega Ioane, who played less than 20 snaps at center in college, is set to start at center for the Ravens in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans.
• Former Detroit Lions center Graham Glasgow and guard Kingsley Eguakun have earned tryouts with the Baltimore Ravens, while former Lions guard Kevin Zeitler visited with the Green Bay Packers.
• The Detroit Lions worked out wide receiver Lawrence Keys, who was previously cut with an injury settlement in early August, and former safety Tracy Walker had his suspension lifted.
• The Ravens' center crisis follows the season-ending injury of Danny Pinter in training camp and the waiver claim of Corey Bullock by the Carolina Panthers, leaving Baltimore with no other options on the roster or practice squad.

Background

The Ravens' center position has been plagued by injuries and roster moves this season. Tyler Linderbaum departed in free agency, Danny Pinter suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp, and Corey Bullock was claimed off waivers by the Panthers. The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, have been active in the UFL and have been evaluating players like Lawrence Keys, who was signed in the offseason but cut with an injury settlement. The Lions also released Graham Glasgow in a salary cap saving move, and Kingsley Eguakun was poached by the Browns off of Detroit's practice squad.

How outlets are covering it

Pride of Detroit highlights the tryouts of former Lions players Graham Glasgow and Kingsley Eguakun with the Baltimore Ravens, as well as the Lions' evaluation of wide receiver Lawrence Keys. Baltimore Beatdown emphasizes the Ravens' immediate need to play rookie Vega Ioane at center and the potential need for a major trade if Gwyn and Pocic are out for the year. CBS Sports notes that the Ravens may sign former Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler, who has a history with the team, while keeping Ioane at center. The Baltimore Sun reports that Ioane is in line for his first start at center, as both Gwyn and Pocic are expected to be out for a long time. The outlets agree on the severity of the Ravens' center crisis but differ on the potential solutions, with some suggesting a trade and others focusing on free agency or internal options.

Why it matters

The Ravens' center crisis could impact their offensive line's performance and the overall success of the team, as the center is a crucial position for protecting the quarterback and blocking for the running game. The tryouts of former Lions players and the evaluation of Lawrence Keys by the Lions indicate that the NFL is actively seeking to fill roster holes and improve team performance. The situation also highlights the importance of depth and flexibility in the NFL, as teams must be prepared to adapt to unexpected injuries and roster changes.

What to watch

The Ravens will likely play Vega Ioane at center in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans, and will need to make a signing or trade to fill the center position for the long term. The Detroit Lions will continue to evaluate Lawrence Keys and may sign him if his injury settlement has elapsed. The Green Bay Packers will continue to evaluate Kevin Zeitler as they try to solve their offensive line issues. The NFL will continue to monitor the health of Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic, and the Ravens will need to make a decision on whether to trade for a center or sign a free agent.