National Football League roundup

[June 08, 2017]  June 7 (The Sports Xchange) - The Baltimore Ravens released veteran tight end Dennis Pitta on Wednesday with an injury waiver after he suffered another major hip injury at organized team activities practice last week.

The move clears $2.5 million in salary-cap space for the Ravens, who did not have to give an injury settlement to Pitta because he signed a waiver after fracturing his hip in 2013 and 2014. He agreed to a $2.5 million salary to return to the Ravens this season.

Pitta dislocated his hip on Friday for the third time in five years and the latest could be a career-ending injury, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Pitta will need surgery to repair the hip.

The 31-year-old Pitta, who came back last season to lead all NFL tight ends with 86 receptions, was injured without being hit, according to the Ravens.

Pitta stretched out to make a catch and fell to the ground during the closed practice. He could not put any weight on his leg when he tried to get up.

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The NFL Players Association is considering filing grievances to have about 160 rookie contracts voided after identifying language the players' union believes violates the collective bargaining agreement.

The NFLPA estimates about 25 or 26 NFL teams have included some form of prohibited language in rookie deals this year, according to ESPN.

"The union has undergone a comprehensive review of rookie contracts and language in those contracts for this year," NFLPA spokesman George Atallah told ESPN.

"The CBA explicitly prohibits players from some of the language that we have seen the clubs attempt to impose in these deals. We are considering all of our options to protect the players and enforce the CBA."

The NFLPA sent letters to notify the NFL management council of the possible CBA violations.

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Former NFL great Peyton Manning signed a deal as a "strategic advisor and first-ever brand ambassador" for football helmet supplier Riddell, the company announced.

The five-time NFL MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion, who retired after the 2015 season, wore Riddell's helmets and shoulder pads throughout his career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. (Editing by Andrew Both)

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