Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta has been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, according to Ravens reporter Ryan Mink. Pitta is still rehabbing from his second major hip surgery and is not expected to play until week seven.
"As far as I'm concerned, you plan for the worst and hope for the best. I'm planning on him not being back," Raven head coach John Harbaugh said, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. Head coaches need to plan around players, and Harbaugh preparing for anything with Pitta.
Pitta was a vital part of the Ravens' Super Bowl run in the 2012 season, where he grabbed 61 catches and seven touchdowns. Since then, Pitta has been plagued by injury and has started a total of four games in two seasons.
Pitta's injury is significant because the Ravens lost Owne Dnaiels, their starting tight end from last season. Daniels had 48 catches and four touchdowns a season ago, and without him or Pitta, the Ravens look very young at the tight end position.
Maxx Williams is expected to be ready to play the season opener against the Denver Broncos, Hensley noted. Williams has been wearing a red non-contact jersey in practice, but he is expected to play come week one.
Williams was the first tight end in the draft picked at 23 and is very young, entering the league at 21 years old. He will have some maturing to do physically at the NFL level, according to Hensley. Williams will be one of the Ravens' top options at tight end and will be expected to pick up more as the season goes along.
The Ravens also selected Crockett Gillmore in the third round in 2014. Gillmore had 10 catches and a touchdown in his rookie season. The combination of Gillmore and Williams give quarterback Joe Flacco a young group of tight ends that will need time to develop.
The Ravens also lost Torrey Smith this offseason to the San Francisco 49ers. Smith was a huge part of the Ravens' offense last season with 11 touchdowns and 767 yards receiving. Steve Smith Sr. will be the mentor for this young team, as he is clearly Flacco's number one option.
Behind Smith is another rookie drafted in the first round Breshad Perriman out of Central Florida. Perriman will have to learn fast, as both first round rookies will be expected to have an impact.
Pitta's placement on the PUP list will give a chance for young players to perform, but Pitta's return to the team in week seven will likely provide some relief to Flacco and the offense.
