Vega Ioane (knee) won’t play in Week 8

The Ravens will be without rookie guard Vega Ioane, who suffered a knee injury in last week’s loss to the Bengals. While it’s yet another blow to an already banged-up offensive line, the Ravens do have Lamar Jackson returning from his three-game absence after he suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 4. Hopefully, Jackson’s return can provide a much-needed spark to an offense that has managed just 23 points combined in its last two games.

Both players missed practice Wednesday, with their return Thursday a good step in the right direction for their availability in a marquee matchup against the Bills in Week 8. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and safety-linebacker Kyle Hamilton were also present at practice Thursday as the team inches closer to full strength.

The Ravens’ mauling rookie guard suffered an MCL sprain in Week 7 against the Bengals. He is likely on the wrong side of questionable for Week 8, but Minter said he has been impressed by Ioane’s resilience and thinks he could recover quickly. In the meantime, OL Emery Jones Jr. and OT Andrew Vorhees will compete for the potential starting role.

Ioane went down with a knee injury on Sunday against the Bengals and did not return to the game. Though Rapoport said the injury is not considered long term, Ioane — an impressive rookie — will be sidelined for a while. Baltimore’s offensive line ranks 20th in pass block win rate and 19th in run block win rate, according to ESPN.

Ioane exited late in the first quarter of Sunday’s game and was ruled out shortly after halftime. The rookie first-rounder appeared on 16 snaps and has started every game for the Ravens this season, splitting time between right guard and center. He was replaced by Emery Jones.

Gwyn went down with a serious leg injury in Week 3 against the Cowboys and will require surgery in the coming days, per Fowler. That will leave Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense without their starting center for at least the next couple months. Rookie first-round pick Vega Ioane will likely start at center for the Ravens in Week 4. It’s a blow to a Baltimore offensive line that ranks 29th in ESPN’s pass blocking win rate and third in run blocking win rate.

Ioane gets a fully guaranteed $24.2 million deal with a $14.1 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option. Ioane is expected to start in year one. He primarily played left guard at Penn State, but should be able to line up at right guard, if need be. Vega (6'4/320) earned an 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade and a 78.6 PFF run-blocking grade last year.

Ioane (6’4/320) is a powerful interior blocker who delivered one of the cleanest pass-protection seasons among Big Ten linemen in 2025. The 6-4, 328-pound guard allowed zero sacks and just a 0.7 percent pressure rate across 294 pass-blocking snaps, posting a 99.7 percent pass-block efficiency and an outstanding 87.1 PFF pass-blocking grade while committing only one penalty. Ioane also logged 306 run-blocking snaps with a 78.6 PFF run-block grade, finishing the year with only a 1.6 percent blown-block rate on run plays, illustrating his consistent execution in Penn State’s physical rushing attack. Built like a prototypical power-scheme guard, Ioane wins with thick limbs, core strength and excellent contact balance, using strong hands and hip roll to generate displacement on base blocks and double teams. His firm punch and sturdy anchor allow him to absorb power rushers effectively, while his vice-like grip strength helps him stay connected through the rep. With elite pass-protection acumen and the most complete resume of any interior lineman in the class, Ioane projects as a high-floor guard who can step into a starting role on day one.