Ravens' Dennis Pitta practicing, optimistic about return

Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta is back on the practice field after suffering major hip injuries in consecutive seasons.

While it's still too early to conclude Pitta will be on the field when the pads go on and tackling is live, it's a very encouraging sign for a player whose health hasn't generated much optimism lately.

The Ravens spent a second-round pick on tight end Maxx Williams earlier this month, leading many to conclude that Pitta's career was likely over after back-to-back hip fractures.

Not so fast, the 29-year-old cautions.

"I’m optimistic," Pitta told the Ravens' official website. "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. I know what it felt like to do this one time. I’ve never known what it felt like to do it twice."

Pitta says he never let his injuries dissuade him from pursuing his on-field goals.

"I knew I would make an attempt to come back," he said. "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."

This time around, Pitta says he's taking his rehab slower. He suffered his first injury in July 2013 and was back on the field just four months later. It's been nearly eight months since his second injury.