Owings Mills, MD – The Baltimore Ravens seem to be optimistic about tight end Dennis Pitta potentially making a late-season return.
The team placed the veteran on the injured reserve-designated to return list Wednesday.
Pitta underwent surgery to repair a dislocated hip during the summer. The injury was initially considered season-ending, but additional tests revealed that he did not suffer any structural or ligament damage.
The designation means Pitta would be eligible to play in Week 9. The Brigham Young product caught 61 passes for 669 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
In a corresponding roster move, the Ravens signed veteran tight end Billy Bajema to the 53-man roster.
Bajema, who appeared in eight games last season with the Ravens, was cut Saturday as the team got down to 53 players.
The Oklahoma State product has caught 38 passes for 398 yards and two touchdowns in 114 career games with the 49ers, Rams and Ravens.
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