Baltimore Ravens: Expectations for Dennis Pitta in 2015

At this current moment for the Baltimore Ravens, it’s truly hard to tell what is going to happen with tight end Dennis Pitta this upcoming season. On one hand, he could very well come back from his devastating season-ending hip injury of last year and look like the player everyone is use to seeing. On the other hand, Pitta could be coming to his final few years since there is no telling how long he can go due to his nagging hip that could make him retire sooner than later.

So far during organized team activities, Pitta has been doing just fine. He hasn’t slowed down one bit when it comes to his route running and the kind of receptions he’s known to make in the heat of the moment. It’s a good sign that Pitta is on the way to a full recovery.

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In an article written by Josh Alper of NBC Sports, here is what head coach John Harbaugh had to say about Pitta so far during OTAs:

"“Dennis is out there for about half the practice and he’s doing a good job, too, so we’re not counting him out at all,” Harbaugh said."

It’s good to see that he seems to be back in the swing of things but this is not the kind of action Pitta will be seeing on a regular basis once the games that actually count are here. It’s too early to tell how he’ll endure throughout the entire season, especially with his hip that has been operated on twice the past few years. Since this is his second consecutive time he’s needed surgery to fix his hip, the writing on the wall says that his time might coming to an end on the Ravens if he misses more significant time.

There is a big reason why the Ravens drafted tight ends Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle to hopefully learn as much as they can while Pitta is still around. Perhaps one of them can take over the reigns as a premiere tight end on offense. Of course, both rookies have quite the road to take to reach the kind of impact Pitta has had on the Ravens’ offense but time will tell if one of them could be a suitable replacement down the road.

May 28, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) runs with the ball during training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

With his status uncertain if he’ll be 100% good to go come Week 1 against the Denver Broncos, fans should expect to see him to be put in certain situations to ensure first downs.

Whether it’s to catch a big reception on a key third down conversion or be used in dual tight end formations, Pitta should still be able to bring that extra dimension on the Ravens’ offense.

Due to the fact that he’s going on consecutive years that saw his season cut short due to his hip, don’t expect him to be starting anytime soon.

It’s unfortunate but does make sense from a football point of view considering that Williams so far looks like he might get the nod at being the starter based on what he’s been doing so far during OTAs. Crockett Gillmore is also a decent option as well to see more starting time in order to keep Pitta fresh all season long.

Overall, Pitta was once one of the top tight ends playing in the NFL but due to injuries and the wear and tear of five seasons at the position, he might have to contribute in a backup role this time around in 2015.

He should still produce results but nowhere near the kind of production that many have seen him do in the past. Either way, expect to see him come through in clutch situations for the Ravens who look to be a top contender in the AFC North.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: 2015 AFC North divisional winners or bust

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