Opportunity has arrived for Jovaughn Gwyn.After spending most of his NFL career waiting for an expanded role, the Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman will be thrown into the spotlight when the team opens the 2026 season against the Indianapolis Colts.Head coach Jesse Minter confirmed Monday that Gwyn will get the start at center, giving the former seventh-round draft pick his first NFL start.Baltimore’s situation at center has changed dramatically over the offseason.The Ravens entered the year needing to replace Tyler Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowler who departed in free agency after signing a three-year, $81 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.Danny Pinter appeared positioned to take over the job after competing for the role throughout the offseason. However, a season-ending right leg injury suffered Aug. 20 forced Baltimore to adjust its plans again.Baltimore’s newest starter has just 11 career snapsThat created an opening for Gwyn.Despite having only 11 career offensive snaps under his belt, Gwyn made a strong enough impression during the preseason to earn the Week 1 assignment. He started Baltimore’s final two preseason games and has recently worked extensively with the first-team offense.Minter believes Gwyn is prepared for the challenge.“I have a lot of confidence in him,” Minter said. “This is a guy that I think that when opportunity knocks, [he is] ready to take advantage.”The Ravens aren’t necessarily committing to Gwyn beyond the opener. Minter made it clear the decision is specifically for Week 1, meaning Gwyn’s performance could play a major role in determining what happens next.Gwyn does have some familiarity within Baltimore’s system. Offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford previously worked with him during their time with the Atlanta Falcons.Now comes the difficult part.Baltimore is replacing one of football’s better centers with a player who has barely seen regular-season action.For Gwyn, Sunday represents more than simply filling an opening. It is his first legitimate chance to prove he belongs in an NFL starting lineup — and a strong debut could make it difficult for Baltimore to take the job away.More NFL news:Deshaun Watson apologizes to Browns fans after criticizing them for booing himWhy Browns are making a massive mistake with Deshaun Watson as QB1 over Shedeur SandersPackers ‘motivated’ to sign Tucker Kraft to long-term extensionTexans prepared to offer C.J. Stroud a $ 50M-plus contract extensionEagles sign former Cowboys RB draft pick Jaydon Blue to practice squad