It didn’t take long for the injury bug to attack the Baltimore Ravens during training camp this weekend. Tight end Dennis Pitta fractured and dislocated his hip on Saturday when he collided with safety James Ihedigbo in the end zone.
Pitta had surgery Saturday night. Some speculated if/when he would return until today when head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that Pitta will miss the entire season after telling reporters “there’s no way” he can play in 2013.
Losing Pitta is painful since he is quarterback Joe Flacco’s go-to guy. Pitta was expected to be targeted more after trading wide receiver Anquan Boldin to the San Francisco 49ers.
General manager Ozzie Newsome did not waste any time replacing Pitta. Newsome signed veteran tight end Visanthe Shiancoe to a one-year deal for $940,000.
The 33 year-old Shiancoe previously played for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots. He’s made 243 receptions for 2,677 yards and 27 touchdowns during his 10-year career.
Ed Dickson is expected to be the starter, the No. 2 spot is up for grabs; Shiancoe will compete for it.
SI’s Don Banks praised Newsome and the Ravens for not wasting any time replenishing their roster.
Newsome stayed calm and planned accordingly:
“…It’s awfully early. We don’t play (season-opening opponent) Denver tomorrow, and the season is 16 games long. What you worry about is needing to play real good football going into November and December.”
I am sad about Pitta’s injury. Pitta is a huge part of the Ravens offense and Flacco’s favorite target. Unfortunately injuries happen and since waving a magic wand is not an option to heal Pitta, I’m glad that Newsome had the foresight to add a veteran tight end to the depth chart.
I will miss Pitta and I wish him well on his road to recovery.
Zennie Abraham