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It's possible that tight end Dennis Pitta comes back much sooner than expected from his dislocated and fractured hip.
Sustained early in training camp, it was believed Pitta would not be available for the entire 2013 season. However, Pitta didn't sustain any ligament damage, which was a positive sign considering that usually accompanies this type of injury.
Therefore, the Ravens were able to put him on the short-term injured reserve list. Word is now trickling out that Pitta could be making a return sooner than expected.
ESPN's Ed Werder reported that Pitta could return as early as the middle of November.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I'm hearing Ravens not expecting TE Dennis Pitta until mid- to late-November. He's working out regularly but return to field not imminent</p>— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Edwerderespn/statuses/392737374876467200">October 22, 2013</a></blockquote>
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That would be a huge bonus for the Ravens if Pitta is able to return then. With the AFC North middling in mediocrity (though, to be fair, the Bengals are beginning to look like a favorite at the moment), the Ravens could make a late-season push if they remain in contention by the final quarter of the season.
Pitta's presence allows the Ravens to use more of the middle of the field. It gives Joe Flacco another reliable option to count on in the passing game. Arguably, Pitta's loss has been the most devastating to an offense that's struggled all season.
Getting him back at an important time of the season will only help matters, if in fact Pitta is able to return to the field then.