Ravens' Dennis Pitta: Targeting return to field

Pitta (hip) will participate in OTAs and hopes to be available for Week 1, the Ravens' official website reports.

Analysis:

Pitta hasn't played in an NFL game since Sept. 21, 2014 when he dislocated his right hip for the second time in two years. He'll be at additional risk of suffering the same injury a third time, but he's already acknowledged that he'll likely need a hip replacement at some point in his life, regardless of whether he keeps playing football. It will be interesting to see where Pitta fits in at OTAs and training camp, as he was the Ravens' top tight end from 2012 through the first few weeks of 2014. The team has since added 2014 third-rounder Crockett Gillmore, 2015 second-rounder Maxx Williams and recent free-agent acquisition Ben Watson. Given that Gillmore and Watson are both superior blockers, Pitta will likely just compete for a slot/move role on passing downs. The Ravens might consider trading either Gillmore or Williams.