Ravens release Pitta

The Ravens have released TE Dennis Pitta, saving $2.5 million against the 2017 salary cap. The soon-to-be 32-year-old's career is likely over after suffering his 3rd major hip injury last week. Pitta will be replaced this season by some combination of Maxx Williams, Ben Watson, Crockett Gillmore and Darren Waller.

Ravens TE Dennis Pitta suffered a dislocated hip in Friday's practice, according to multiple sources. ESPN's Adam Schefter calls surgery "likely" and says Pitta's "career is in jeopardy." It's the 3rd major hip injury for the soon-to-be 32-year-old. Baltimore's TE group is a mess without Pitta. Maxx Williams went catch-less in 4 games last year and is recovering from knee surgery. 36-year-old Ben Watson is attempting to return from a torn Achilles. And Crockett Gillmore dealt with back, shoulder and hamstring injuries last year. The Ravens figure to give a free agent like Gary Barnidge or Jacob Tamme a look. But a big chunk of the 121 targets Pitta leaves behind figure to go to Mike Wallace, Breshad Perriman and Danny Woodhead.

Ravens TE Dennis Pitta injured his hip in Friday's OTA session, the team announced. He's undergoing tests to determine the severity. Pitta missed all but 7 games between 2013 and 2015 with major injuries to both hips, so this doesn't look good. His absence would be a big blow to a Baltimore passing game that already lost 200 targets from a year ago with the departures of Steve Smith, Kamar Aiken and Kyle Juszczyk. Pitta led the Ravens with 121 targets. We'll pass along an update when we get one.

Ravens TE Dennis Pitta will start today's opener against the Bills, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. This could be more of a "ceremonial start" for a guy coming off 2 major hip injuries and seeing his 1st action since 2014. TEs Maxx Williams and Crockett Gillmore still figure to be involved. Stay away from this situation in Week 1 fantasy lineups.

Ravens TE Dennis Pitta sprained his finger during Monday's training camp practice and will be out "a little while," HC John Harbaugh said. That won't help Pitta's chances of carving out a role (or making the team?) in a crowded TE group that also includes Ben Watson, Maxx Williams and Crockett Gillmore. Pitta remains off the fantasy radar.

Ravens insider Jeff Zrebiec believes TE Dennis Pitta could be a "significant contributor" this season after an impressive spring. He "was one of the more active and productive offensive players for the past couple of weeks," Zrebiec writes. "Pitta is moving well and caught just about everything thrown in his direction." Pitta missed the last 2 seasons with major hip injuries and turns 31 at the end of June. We're in "believe-it-when-we-see-it" mode, especially with Baltimore's crowded TE corps.