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Preseason is the absolute worst time to face an injury that will take a player off the field. Unfortunately, the worst has happened to the Baltimore Ravens‘ Danny Pinter on Wednesday. With the season opener just days away, he was carted off during the joint practice session with the Minnesota Vikings. Danny Pinter Carted off From Practice Right Before the Season Kicks-off Danny Pinter is a 30-year-old offensive lineman in his first season with the Ravens. The team signed him to a one-year deal in the 2026 offseason after three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum left in free agency to join the Las Vegas Raiders. On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings in Eagan, Minnesota, Pinter was carted off the field roughly halfway through the session. He left with a bulky brace on his right knee/leg and was seen pounding his fist in frustration while on the cart. Teammates and head coach Jesse Minter ran over from the defensive side and surrounded him as medical staff loaded him onto the cart. Coach Minter said afterward that the team needed further testing and had no immediate update on the severity. Multiple reports described the injury as appearing serious, and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo later indicated it was believed to be a significant injury. “Ravens C Danny Pinter was carted off a short while ago at the joint practice with the #Vikings. Pinter has been vying for the starting spot after Tyler Linderbaum left in free agency,” he wrote. As of the latest available updates, the exact diagnosis (possible knee ligament damage or similar) had not been publicly confirmed, and Pinter’s status for the rest of the preseason and the regular season remained uncertain. The injury adds major questions about the Ravens’ offensive line depth and protection for Lamar Jackson heading into the 2026 season. Danny Pinter’s Injury Opens Door for Ethan Pocic As Danny Pinter is expected to be out for a while, it opens the door for Ethan Pocic. Ethan Pocic is the clear next man up. The veteran with 97 career starts, including recent AFC North experience with the Browns was already on the roster as a free-agent addition. He had been ramping up after recovering from a torn Achilles suffered late in the 2025 season and had not yet taken many first-team snaps. Insiders now project him as the primary starter if Pinter is sidelined long-term. Jovaughn Gwyn is the other main contender. He has less experience but has shown well in limited opportunities including a strong preseason showing noted by coaches. Corey Bullock and others provide additional depth, though Bullock has mostly been working at guard. The injury reopens a major question mark at the most important position on the offensive line. Center is critical for communication, protection calls, and both the run and pass game in front of Lamar Jackson. The Ravens already lost Linderbaum in free agency and were relying on internal options; a long-term absence for Pinter forces them to lean more heavily on Pocic or potentially explore external help.