OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta returned to practice Saturday after missing 32 days with a fractured finger on his right hand.
Pitta's return is even more significant considering the Ravens lost tight end Benjamin Watson to a season-ending Achilles injury last week.
In Saturday's practice, Pitta showed no problems catching passes from Joe Flacco. The reason Pitta remained out so long was the concern he could reinjure the finger.
Pitta is looking to play his first regular-season game since 2014. He has only played seven games over the previous three seasons after fracturing his hip in 2013 and 2014.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh expects Pitta to play in the Sept. 11 opener against the Bills.
"It's a good sign," Harbaugh said after Saturday's practice. "He looked fine today. He's got to get his timing back and work the rust off. He's back today and he'll be back all next week and expect him to be ready to go."
In addition to Pitta, the Ravens returned four other injured players: nose tackle Brandon Williams, guard John Urschel, tight end Maxx Williams and safety Kendrick Lewis.