Minter: Pocic (knee) looking at long-term absence

Pocic, who took a helmet to the knee, was already in the game to replace Jovaughn Gwynn, who exited earlier with an ankle injury. Now down both centers, the Ravens have called on rookie Vega Ioane to snap the ball for what is quickly becoming a decimated offensive line.

This is terribly unfortunate. We expect him to be placed on injured reserve soon, and we do not expect him to return until 2027. The Ravens brought in Pinter and C Ethan Pocic, who is coming off a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture, to compete for the starting center role after losing C Tyler Linderbaum in free agency to the Raiders. Pocic, 31, has been a reliable NFL starter since earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2017. He earned a 62.3 PFF pass-blocking grade and a 63.2 PFF run-blocking grade before injuring his Achilles in Week 14 last year.

Pinter has been competing with C Ethan Pocic for the starting job. Pocic notably suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture last year. Hopefully, Pinter escapes with a minor injury and the competition can continue.

“On of them in the mix of the battle is coming off an injury. That timeline may or may not be perfect for that first game,” Minter relayed via the team’s website Monday. Recent signee Ethan Pocic is coming off a torn Achilles in Week 14 of the 2025 season but possesses the most starting experience of the players battling to supplant longtime starter Tyler Linderbaum following his departure in free agency. Minter’s comments, while slightly vague, seem to point towards Pocic as the desired starter, assuming his injury recovery continues to progress without hiccup. Fellow free agent additions Danny Pinter and Jovaughn Gwyn will compete with Pocic for the starting role.

The longtime Browns standout heads to a wide-open situation for a perennial contender following the departure of Tyler Linderbaum this offseason. Pocic would appear to have the inside track to the starting center job considering his veteran status, although he will need to prove his health after tearing his Achilles in December of 2025. His new deal includes a $3 million base valuation, after which he can earn an additional $1.5 million in incentives.

The Browns confirmed the worst on Monday after Pocic left Sunday’s game with what was initially diagnosed as a calf injury. A replay of the injury, however, suggested a potential tear for Pocic, who will now spend the remainder of this season and all offseason rehabbing his injury. Pocic has started all 13 games he’s appeared in this season for the Browns, earning a PFF grade of 63.6 while allowing two sacks and 14 pressures. It wouldn’t be surprising if this injury impacted Pocic’s offseason, as his current deal with the Browns is set to expire, making him a free agent.

Pocic was announced with a “calf” injury, but it appears Pocic has torn his Achilles’ tendon. It’s the worst possible news for a 30-year-old center who has manned the pivot for the Browns since 2022. They will now have to mix and match along their interior line for the stretch run as they attempt to develop Shedeur Sanders. Pocic’s contract has no guaranteed money remaining, so he could spend 2026 rehabbing as a free agent.

Pocic missed Week 6 with the knee issue but returned to the lineup last week. He played all 84 offensive snaps according to Pro Football Fous. His DNP on Wednesday could just be maintenance for a player still still working through a tricky knee injury. If he did re-injure his knee, Nick Harris would take over at center.

Pocic suffered a knee injury in Week 5 against the Commanders and didn’t suit up for Week 6. Pocic was limited in Thursday’s practice and could have a shot to suit up on Sunday if he can get on the field again on Friday. If he can’t go, backup Nick Harris will be scheduled for another start. In addition to Pocic, the Browns also listed safety Juan Thornhill (calf), and linebacker Jordan Hicks (elbow/triceps) as questionable.

Pocic suffered the knee injury in Week 5 while playing through an ankle injury. He underwent an MRI after the game and did not practice this week. Backup center Nick Harris should take his spot in the lineup this week.