Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta will attempt a comeback in 2016 after not playing last season.
the Ravens said in a statement Wednesday that Pitta's contract has been restructured.
"Dennis wants to continue his playing career, and we want to give him that opportunity," GM and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome said in the statement. "We have reworked his contract, and we're excited to help him with his comeback. Everyone here wants Dennis to succeed."
Pitta, 30, decided to return in 2016 after consulting with doctors and weighing the risks of playing with a right hip that has been surgically repaired twice. He hasn't played since September 2014, when he fractured his hip in Cleveland after falling to the ground without being hit.
In the middle of last season, Pitta made a concerted effort to come back and practiced for a three-week window under the physically unable to perform list rules. But he was never activated because, after talking with doctors, he decided not to play the remaining eight games.
"I am thankful for this opportunity to continue my career," Pitta said in the Ravens statement. "I'm excited to get back to work with my teammates and for this organization. Physically, I feel great and am ready to begin building toward a successful 2016 season."
The Ravens signed Pitta to a five-year, $32 million deal before the 2014 season that included $16 million guaranteed. Since that contract, Pitta has played in three games, catching 16 passes.
Baltimore had prepared to move forward without Pitta. The Ravens selected three tight ends in the previous two drafts -- Crockett Gillmore, Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle -- and signed free agent Benjamin Watson to a two-year, $7 million contract this offseason.