Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta 'closer than ever' to returning to practice

With the Ravens' offense in need of another playmaker to emerge, the organization could see its top tight end target returning sooner than later.

Dennis Pitta, who dislocated and fractured his hip early in training camp, has been slated to return in mid-to-late November. Asked about a timetable on Wednesday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said it's still up in the air when Pitta returns.

However, Harbaugh did seem to express confidence that Pitta could be practicing soon.

"I don't know exactly [when he will be ready]," Harbaugh told reporters. "When we talked about that time frame, that was a long time ago. Everything I've been told is that he is on schedule, but I think it's still pretty vague and generic. We are getting close to that date. I'm interested to hear when he can start practicing again. I've been asking that question. [I] haven't gotten a yes yet. He's closer than ever, obviously, and I have my fingers crossed, just like everybody else does."

Pitta couldn't come back soon enough for the Ravens. Tight ends have only accounted for 393 receiving yards and two touchdowns — both of which came from Dallas Clark.