Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta goes on injured reserve-designated to return

Dennis Pitta will at least be given the opportunity to return at some point during the 2013 season.

After sustaining a dislocated and fractured hip that required surgery, Pitta was thought to be done for the season. However, the young tight end did not experience any ligament damage, giving the BYU product a glimmer of hope that he could work back in near the end of the season.

On Wednesday, Pitta was placed on the injured reserve-designated to return list. It will be the only the Ravens can use that title to a player this season.

With Pitta no longer counting toward the 53-man roster, the Ravens announced that tight end Billy Bajema has been re-signed. This was expected, considering that in addition to Pitta, only Ed Dickson and Dallas Clark were the tight ends on the roster after cut down day last Saturday.

The Ravens had to wait until Wednesday to make the move, as players can't be moved to injured reserve without being subjected to waivers until after making the 53-man roster.

Pitta became one of Joe Flacco's top targets in 2012, hauling in 61 receptions for 669 yards and seven touchdowns. Dickson will become the No. 1 tight end in Pitta's absence.

It's still not a foregone conclusion that Pitta returns this year. But if the Ravens are once again in the running for a postseason push, they'll gladly welcome him back if he's able to go.

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