Joe Flacco has lost his most reliable pass-catcher.
Veteran Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta exited the second quarter of Sunday's 23-21 win over the Browns with an injured right hip, the same hip he fractured before last season. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Pitta dislocated the hip, per a source who has spoken to the player. He'll undergo tests Monday to determine if there's also a fracture.
Pitta crumbled awkwardly to the ground after hauling in a throw from Flacco. Trainers immediately descended to place Pitta on a stretcher and cart him away to the locker room. The Ravens later announced that the tight end was going to the hospital for evaluation.
Baltimore's second-leading receiver behind Steve Smith, Pitta has 22 catches on the year after pulling down three against the Browns. Losing him would cost the Ravens dearly in two tight end sets. Owen Daniels and Crockett Gillmore simply don't offer Pitta's versatility and matchup problems for opponents.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps all of the Week 3 action and picks the top team in the AFC.