The Ravens have cleared the way for tight end Dennis Pitta.
Pitta was moved to the active roster Saturday and is eligible to play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in his first game of the season.
Pitta has been sidelined for the last four months because of a fractured and dislocated hip he suffered July 27. At the time, there were questions as to whether he would be able to play football again.
But Pitta rehabbed throughout the rest of the summer and fall and returned to practice on Nov. 20. After three weeks of practice, he's ready for game action.
Pitta ramped up his involvement in practice and has been cleared by multiple doctors. Now he's going to take his first live hit.
"You always want to see how you're going to respond after getting hit like that," Pitta said. "It's not something you can simulate in rehab or even in practice. It will be nice to take that first hit and just see how it feels."
Now the question is how much Pitta will play in his first game back.
His return will provide a boost for a 29th-ranked offense that has struggled this season, especially in the red zone. He could be used in red zone or third-down situations.
Pitta had 61 catches for 669 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and was one of quarterback Joe Flacco's favorite targets.
Dallas Clark currently leads the tight ends with 31 catches for 343 yards and three touchdowns. He's second on the team in receiving yards, and it's unclear what his role will be with Pitta back. Ed Dickson has 16 receptions for 211 yards this season and is a big part of the blocking game.
The Ravens cut running back Bernard Scott to make room for Pitta on the active roster.
