With Dennis Pitta’s injury, Lorenzo Taliaferro is the most likely candidate to take over at fullback this season.
Losing Tavon Young to a torn ACL was bad enough, but things got even worse for the Ravens yesterday.
Tight end Dennis Pitta stretched out for a catch and dislocated his hip. This is the third time this injury has happened, which means his playing career is likely over. It’s terrible news and you never want to see something like this happen.
However, Pitta’s injury affects more than just the tight end position battle this offseason. It ultimately affects who will start at fullback.
Related Story: Maxx Williams likely not the answer to replacing Dennis Pitta
How so?
You may ask, how does Pitta’s injury affect the fullback competition? Well let’s look at it this way:
Losing Kyle Juszczyk in free agency hurts. There really aren’t any other fullbacks in the NFL that can do what he does. The ability to run, block and catch the ball at fullback is why Juszczyk got such a big contract from the 49ers. With that being said it doesn’t mean he’s irreplaceable. The Ravens have options on the roster. The two main candidates to replace him are Nick Boyle and Taliaferro. But now that Pitta is done, Boyle is going to need to stay at tight end.
There’s still depth at the tight end position, but you can’t count on everyone right now. Injuries have been an issue for Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williams and as we’ve seen, a player can go down just like that. Boyle is going to be counted on this season to contribute in receiving game. He’s also the best blocking tight end out of the group, which is a big reason why he was considered to take over at fullback.
It’s Taliaferro’s job to lose
Putting Taliaferro at fullback makes the most sense. With Dixon, Woodhead and West, there’s no need for him at running back anymore. Plus, he has experience playing the position. Taliaferro came into the league as a fullback, but the Ravens converted him to running back.
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There shouldn’t be much of a transition from running back to fullback because the positions are relatively similar. Because of this, it’s really Taliaferro’s job to lose. The only other competition could be from undrafted free agent Ricky Ortiz. He was a Juszczyk like kind of playing during college, but he doesn’t have the same experience with the offense. Taliaferro will be more trusted at the position and it’s his job to lose this offseason.