Starting tight end Dennis Pitta is expected to miss the season opener against Denver because of a dislocated hip injury he suffered in practice Saturday, but few know how long he will be sidelined.
A dislocated hip is a freak injury, at least in the NFL, and there isn't a time table on how long it takes to recover. Even Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, who has been coaching in the NFL since 1998, admitted that he has never known a player who suffered the injury.
The injury could be devastating for the Ravens, who are still in search of a No. 2 wide receiver. So far in training camp Torrey Smith has established himself as the No. 1 receiver, but none of the candidates vying for the No. 2 have separated themselves including Jacoby Jones, David Reed, LaQuan Williams, Deonte Thompson or Tandon Doss.
Pitta had become quarterback Joe Flacco's top weapon inside the red zone. Tight end Ed Dickson will become the starter and the Ravens have several options as the No. 2 tight end including promoting Billy Bajema or moving rookie fullback Kyle Juszczyk to tight end.
Regardless, the Ravens might have to resort more to running than passing at this point.