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Baltimore Ravens: 5 potential replacements for Dennis Pitta

By Adrian Andrew

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) makes a first down reception during the second quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the contest 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) makes a first down reception during the second quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the contest 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Recently, lifetime Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta was released due to a hip injury. Pitta was the starter for the team last year, so who could replace him?

Through Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta’s entire career he has been battling hip injuries. It all started in 2013 when Pitta dislocated and fractured his hip. Then, Pitta’s bad luck would continue as the next year in 2014 Pitta would dislocate his hip again. This would make him miss the rest of the 2014 season and the 2015 season.

This time it appeared to be very bad as according to a report by ESPN  as “doctors have advised Baltimore Ravens tight end, Dennis Pitta, that it is not safe for him to resume his NFL career after two major hip operations.”

This would not hold Pitta back. In spite of doctors advising Pitta to retire, Pitta would continue to play in 2016. He also did pretty well. Racking up 86 receptions, for 729 yards, and reaching the end zone twice.

This left many Ravens fans including myself hyped to see how Pitta would do this year. But, Ravens fans received sad news on June 2nd when it was revealed Pitta had suffered his third dislocated hip during OTAs. Then, the Ravens would release Pitta just five days later.

This is also, most likely the end of not just Pitta’s run with the Ravens but the end of his career. As according to Ravens.com Pitta commented this about retirement “Listen, I’ve dislocated my hip three times. Take it for what it is. I’m not delusional. I know and understand what that means.”

Since Pitta is done with the Ravens we are going to take a look at five replacements for him.

Baltimore Ravens
Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Darren Waller (84) runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Darren Waller

Over the offseason, Darren Waller made the transition from wide receiver to tight end. So, obviously, the Ravens would not convert him to tight end unless they plan on using him.

Waller will definitely see increased production based on what The Baltimore Sun said about him “Waller is one of the Ravens’ top special teams players, which boosts his value on the roster because coach John Harbaugh emphasizes diverse contributions.”

Waller also, does have the physicality factor, being the 6’6 255 lbs monster he is. So, look for Waller to take more snaps than last year and use his big stature to break free of tackles and be aggressive while the ball is in the air to bring down big gains.

But, I do not see him being the full replacement for Pitta this year to due to inexperience and lack of consistency. Considering that Waller only has 12 career receptions for 103 yards. Those numbers aren’t the typical production you see from a starting tight end in the NFL.  It is also important to note that Waller is suffering an injury that is disclosed to the public.

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