NFL teams
Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Raven expect Dennis Pitta in 2015

NFL, Baltimore Ravens

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens expect tight end Dennis Pitta to make a full recovery from his second hip surgery and play again for the team in 2015, coach John Harbaugh said Monday.

Pitta sustained his second major hip injury in two years when he collapsed to the ground without being hit during a Sept. 21 game in Cleveland. He is currently on injured reserve.

Many presumed, including Harbaugh, that it would be tough for Pitta to come back because it was another hip injury. But Harbaugh has been told that the injury is not a career-ending one.

"They say it has no bearing on the future. It heals 100 percent," Harbaugh said. "Dennis can play again. Dennis has told me that he wants to play again. Of course if he wants to play, he'll get every opportunity to play if the medical people clear him. And I've been told to this point that they see no reason why it wouldn't be clear if everything goes according to plan."

This is good news for both Pitta and the Ravens, who signed the tight end to a five-year, $32 million deal prior to the season that included $16 million guaranteed.

Pitta, 29, has become one of Joe Flacco's most trusted targets. In 2012, he set career-highs in catches (61), receiving yards (669) and touchdowns (seven). During the Ravens' Super Bowl run that season, Pitta had touchdowns in three of the team's four playoff games.

He played only four games in 2013 after dislocating his hip and he appeared in three games this season before hurting his hip again.

The Ravens have been able to better withstand the loss of Pitta this season after signing Owen Daniels, who ranks second on the team with 39 catches for 385 yards and three touchdowns.

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