Ravens news: Dennis Pitta injures hip

Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta injured his hip during practice, and it could be a huge loss. 

The 2016 Baltimore Ravens could not stay healthy. Their lack of depth was why they wound up missing the postseason for the second straight year. It appears their injury luck isn’t any better so far in 2017.

Just a day after losing Tavon Young due to a torn ACL, star tight end Dennis Pitta suffered a hip injury in practice. This is significant because he has had numerous hip issues in recent years.

The Ravens later released more information.

"Just like last time, it happened without contact. Pitta stretched to make a catch, just like he’s done a million times. He fell to the turf and tried to get up, but couldn’t put weight on his leg."

While Pitta will undergo tests to see how bad it is, this can’t be a good sign for him. He’s already battled back from a significant hip injury when people thought he would retire. Retirement has to be a realistic option for Pitta right now. The Ravens’ depth will once again be tested. And unlike Young’s loss, Baltimore doesn’t have an immediate replacement.

The Ravens are hoping to get Ben Watson back healthy after he missed all of last season with an Achilles’ injury. However, the veteran tight end is 36 years old and will turn 37 in December. Crockett Gillmore is an option as well, but he’s coming off an injury too. Also, he’s more of a blocker than a receiver. Maxx Williams, who had 32 receptions in 2015, could help as well. However, he’s coming off an injury, just like Watson and Gillmore.

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Last season, Pitta led the Ravens with 86 receptions. He served as Joe Flacco’s go to receiver during third downs. With the loss of Steve Smith Sr. due to retirement and the potential loss of Pitta, the Ravens could be in trouble. Hopefully, this isn’t a serious injury for Pitta, who has worked very hard to get back into the NFL after several hip injuries.