Staying healthy during training camp is the key to a successful start of the regular season. Unfortunately for the Ravens, they’ve already lost one of their main offensive weapons.
During red zone drills, tight end Dennis Pitta attempted to haul in a jump ball while being defended by safety James Ihedigbo. Pitta fell to the ground and stayed there for a few minutes. Afterwards, he was taken back into the Under Armour Performance Center with a towel over his head. Minutes later, a stretcher was brought from the parking lot and taken into a shed the Ravens typically store Gatorade, and used by many players as an alternative entrance onto the practice fields.
Following practice, head coach John Harbaugh announced that Pitta had suffered a dislocated hip and would be unavailable for the September 5th season opener against the Denver Broncos. If Pitta has a type one dislocation, he could potentially miss 3-4 months. However, no further details are available.
This marks the second training camp injury for Pitta in consecutive years. Last season, Pitta suffered a broken hand on July 30th, but was ready for the season opener against the Bengals, catching five passes for 73 yards and a touchdown.
Ed Dickson will now sit atop the Ravens depth chart and the injury likely means that Billy Bajema will make the team as a blocking option. Also of note, former Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe was a spectator at Ravens practice yesterday. No roster move had been made as of practice on Saturday, but the chances of him signing with the Ravens have got to be greater in the wake of Pitta’s injury.
