Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta is hoping to return to the team for the 2015 season. Pitta has only played in seven games over the past two years after suffering a hip dislocation and fracture in consecutive years. Speaking up on his recovery process, Pitta seemed pretty optimistic about a potential return:
“I feel good. But obviously it’s a process. I have an idea in mind of where I’d like to be in a couple months, but at the same time you don’t know,” the veteran tight end said, via team’s official website. “I know what it felt like to do this (rehab) one time. I’ve never known what it felt like to do it twice.”
Pitta, at one point, was considered to be a key member of the Ravens offense. He recorded 61 receptions for 669 yards and seven touchdowns during the team’s Super Bowl-winning 2012 campaign. Now nearly 30-years-old and at definite risk for further injury, there are more question marks than ever before.
Baltimore also covered itself in the 2015 NFL draft by trading up for top tight end prospect Maxx Williams in the second round. It is reported that Williams will likely team up with Crockett Gillmore in two tight-end sets until Pitta is able to return.
Appearing ever-so-hopeful, Pitta doesn’t want to let his injuries dictate the future:
“I knew I would make an attempt to come back. This is what I love to do. Injuries are part of this game and you have to try to overcome them the best you can. You always want to leave this game on your own terms.”
Pitta is currently under a five-year, $32 million contract with the Ravens that takes him through the 2018 season.
Photo: USA Today Sports