Baltimore Ravens

Ravens TE Dennis Pitta expected to play for first time since 2014

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:18 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The last time Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta took an NFL snap, he was on the right side of 30 years old. He’s now 31 and is preparing to return to the field for the first time since Sept. 21, 2014.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Pitta is not only expected to make his long-awaited return on Sunday, but he’s expected to start.

#Ravens TE Dennis Pitta (dislocated finger) will not only play but start. It's his first action since a major hip injury in 2104. Very cool.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2016

Back in Week 3 of 2014, Pitta suffered a second dislocated hip, forcing him to miss an extended period of time. He returned to the field this offseason, however he fractured his finger in a fight with rookie Kamalei Correa, which sidelined him yet again.

Pitta was expected to play this week against the Bills, but it’s a pleasant surprise to hear he’ll start. The veteran tight end compared it to being a rookie once again.

Pitta sits atop the depth chart, ahead of Crockett Gilmore and Maxx Williams. Veteran Benjamin Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the preseason.