Kyle Pitts Sr. Injury News & Updates

Pitts secured two of three targets for 14 yards during Sunday's 30-27 overtime loss to the Panthers.

Pitts finished behind Drake London (knee), Bijan Robinson and Darnell Mooney in terms of receiving in a matchup that saw quarterback Michael Penix (knee) be forced out in the third quarter and Kirk Cousins enter in replacement. That leaves the status of Falcons' offense is now in flux as the team prepares for a Week 12 road matchup against the Saints, potentially to Pitts' benefit. The 25-year-old tight end would likely see increased target volume if London misses any time, and when Cousins started versus the Dolphins in Week 8 he targeted Pitts nine times.

Pitts caught two of five targets for 38 yards in Sunday's 31-25 loss to the Colts.

The catches and yards were each the second-highest total on the day by a Falcon, as Drake London once again dominated looks from Michael Penix with a 6-104-1 line on eight targets. Pitts has caught multiple passes in every game this season, but he has yet to top 70 receiving yards and has only one touchdown, giving him a decent floor but little ceiling. The tight end will take a 45-420-1 line on 59 targets into a Week 11 meeting with the Panthers.

Pitts caught four of seven targets for 38 yards in Sunday's 24-23 loss to the Patriots.

Drake London and Bijan Robinson combined for 17 catches, 168 receiving yards and three London receiving touchdowns, but Pitts was the best of the rest, as Darnell Mooney contributed Atlanta's only reception by a player other than London, Robinson or Pitts. After catching all nine of his targets from Kirk Cousins in the Week 8 loss to the Dolphins, Pitts was back to working with Michael Penix, who returned from a one-game absence due to a knee injury. Pitts has at least three receptions in every game this season heading into a Week 10 meeting with the Colts in Berlin.

Pitts (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at New England, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Pitts handled his usual workload in last week's loss to the Dolphins and didn't miss any practices this week. He was limited Wednesday and Thursday before upgrading to full participation Friday, which was enough to gain clearance on the final injury report -- something that also happened for QB Michael Penix and WR Drake London, bringing Atlanta's passing game back to full strength.

Pitts (ankle) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Pitts has been operating with a cap on his practice reps this week due to an ankle injury, which also can said for QB Michael Penix (knee) and WR Drake London (hip). With both Penix and London sidelined this past Sunday against the Dolphins, Pitts connected with fill-in signal-caller Kirk Cousins nine times on as many targets for 59 yards and no touchdowns. The statuses of Penix and London will be key for where Pitts stands in Atlanta's passing game Week 9, but if the tight end is available, he again could be the team's top option.

Pitts was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to an ankle injury, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

It's a new injury, after Pitts handled his normal workload a 34-10 loss to Miami on Sunday, catching each of his nine targets for 59 yards while handling a 92 percent snap share and 100 percent route share. WR Drake London (hip), WR Darnell Mooney (hamstring) and QB Michael Penix (knee) also were limited in practice Wednesday.

Pitts brought in all nine targets for 59 yards in the Falcons' 34-10 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Pitts led the Falcons in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the afternoon, as the absence of Drake London (hip) opened up plenty of extra opportunity. Pitts was the only Atlanta pass catcher to truly take advantage, however, working seamlessly with fill-in signal-caller Kirk Cousins on his way to a season-high catch total. After multiple seasons of what has been perceived as underutilization in the passing attack, Atlanta's coaching staff is seemingly prioritizing keeping Pitts involved, as he'll take a 39-344-1 receiving line on 47 targets into a Week 9 road matchup against the Patriots.

Pitts recorded seven receptions on 10 targets for 62 yards in Sunday's 20-10 loss to the 49ers.

Pitts commanded double-digit targets for the third time in his career and for the first time since Week 5 of the 2023 season. Several of his targets came in the short areas of the field, leading to a modest yardage total, though he did manage long gains of 19 and 17 yards while also having a 27-yard catch nullified by a holding call early in the first quarter. While the volume of targets suggests this could have been a bigger game, Pitts has at least five catches in half of his six games this season and has topped 60 receiving yards in two of the last three contests.

Pitts had three receptions on four targets for 18 yards in Monday's 24-14 win over the Bills.

Pitts followed up his best performance of the season against the Commanders (5-70-1) with his lowest fantasy score to date on Monday Night Football. Michael Penix was keyed in on Drake London (10-158-1) and Bijan Robinson (6-68-0) in the passing game, leaving scraps for Pitts and the rest of Atlanta's auxiliary options. Pitts still carries a modest 23-223-1 receiving line into a Week 7 road tilt against the 49ers on Sunday.

Pitts caught all five of his targets for 70 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-27 win over the Commanders.

The tight end put together his best game of the season as QB Michael Penix posted career-best passing numbers, with Pitts hauling in his first TD of the year on a seven-yard toss in the third quarter. Pitts has seen at least five targets in every game so far and delivered a 20-205-1 line on 24 targets heading into Atlanta's Week 5 bye, putting him on pace for his best campaign since his stunning NFL debut in 2021.

Pitts (toe) practiced fully Thursday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Pitts has been limited exactly one time each of the last two weeks of game prep due to a toe issue, but his return to full Thursday indicates it was merely related to maintenance. He thus is primed to keep building upon the 15-135-0 line on 19 targets that he's put together in three contests to begin the campaign this Sunday against the Commanders.

Pitts (toe) was limited in practice Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Pitts was also limited by a toe issue last Thursday, though he sandwiched that session between two full practices and managed to avoid carrying an injury designation at all into Atlanta's loss to the Panthers in Week 3. He'll work to gain similar clearance for Sunday's contest against the Commanders. Through three games this season, Pitts has compiled 15 catches for 135 yards and zero touchdowns on 19 targets.

Pitts secured four of six targets for 39 yards in the Falcons' 30-0 loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

Even on a washout of a day for the Falcons' offense as a whole, Pitts was able to maintain some of his early-season momentum while tying for second in receptions and for third in targets. The talented tight end has enjoyed a steady presence in the air attack through three games, leading to a 15-135-0 receiving line on 19 targets. Pitts' efficiency and chemistry with Michael Penix position him well to continue serving as a key complementary target in a Week 4 home matchup against the Commanders.

Pitts (toe) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at Carolina.

Pitts returned to full participation Friday after being added to the injury report Thursday as a limited participant. He should be fine for his usual role come Sunday, but his 87 percent route share and 21 percent target share haven't led to much actual production in Atlanta's run-first offense.

Pitts was limited at Thursday's practice due to a toe injury, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

One day removed from not being listed on Atlanta's first Week 3 practice report Wednesday, Pitts operated with a cap on his reps. As a result, his status bears watching as the weekend approaches to get a sense of his potential to play Sunday at Carolina. Fellow TE Charlie Woerner (ankle) hasn't taken part in drills so far this week, leaving Teagan Quitoriano and Feleipe Franks as the sole healthy options at the position on the active roster.

Pitts recorded four receptions on five targets for 37 yards in Sunday's 22-6 win over the Vikings.

Despite turning in a modest line, this was a relatively encouraging performance for Pitts. He tied for the team lead in targets and paced all pass catchers in receptions, with his lack of production explained primarily by the Falcons only attempting 21 passes. Pitts now has 11 catches for 96 yards across the first two games of the season and looks to be a favorite target of Michael Penix.

Pitts brought in seven of eight targets for 59 yards in the Falcons' 23-20 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.

The talented but oft-maligned tight end got his season off to a rousing start, finishing second in receptions, targets and receiving yards on the Falcons for the afternoon while displaying plenty of chemistry with Michael Penix as the latter begins his first full season as a starter. Pitts took full advantage of a matchup against a Buccaneers defense that's notoriously generous to tight ends, however, so it remains to be seen if he can carry the momentum over into a Week 2 road showdown against the Vikings next Sunday night.

Falcons QB Michael Penix said Thursday that he plans to throw a lot of passes to Pitts (foot) this year, Justin Felder of FOX 5 Sports Atlanta reports.

Earlier in the day, Falcons coach Raheem Morris said Pitts was medically cleared for training camp but might have "modifications" to his practice plan after missing spring practices with a foot injury. Pitts then went out and made a bunch of big plays during the first practice of camp, prompting Penix to tell reporters there's "gonna be a lot of that" this year. It's a good sign for their chemistry, perhaps, after Pitts got just 10 targets in Penix's three starts last season, thus closing out the year with six or fewer targets in each of Atlanta's last 10 games. William McFadden of the Falcons' official site notes that Pitts mostly worked with the wide receivers (rather than tight ends) during position drills Thursday.

Pitts (foot) is medically cleared for training camp, although Falcons coach Raheem Morris said the tight end may have "modifications" to his practice plan early on, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Pitts was present for Atlanta's offseason program but didn't practice, with reports suggesting a foot injury was responsible for his lack of activity. It sounds like he'll have plenty of time to ramp up for Week 1 as he prepares for the fifth and final season of his rookie contract, subject to the lowest expectations of his career after failing to break out (again) in 2024 under a new coaching staff.

Head coach Raheem Morris said Monday the team is being "extremely cautious" with Pitts (foot) and said the tight end won't be seen at OTAs but has "been in every single meeting" and "been in every single thing that we've done other than the field," Terrin Waack of the team's official site reports.

Morris declined to specify the nature of Pitts' current injury, but reports amid his absence from OTAs last week linked the 2021 first-round pick to a foot issue, per Kyle Crabbs of AtoZ Sports. Around the same time, multiple NFL sources floated rumors naming Pitts a possible trade candidate, per Matt Urben of USA Today. Pitts is currently heading into the final season of his rookie deal due to Atlanta's decision to pick up his $10.88 million fifth-year option, and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said he's expecting the tight end "to take a big jump in Year 2 of the system" in 2025. He scored a career-high four touchdowns in 2024 but had just 47 catches for 602 yards, a step down from his 53 grabs for 667 yards in 2023 and a far cry from his 1,026-yard rookie campaign.

Pitts (foot) is present for OTAs on Wednesday but is not participating in on-field activities due to an injury, Kyle Crabbs of AtoZ Sports reports.

Pitts' absence from the start of OTAs on Tuesday, as well as Wednesday's session, was speculated to be contract-related, but the 24-year-old tight end is simply dealing with a foot issue preventing him from taking part in on-field drills. The Falcons exercised the $10.88 million fifth-year option on Pitts' rookie contract last April, so he enters the 2025 season staring down a contract year. The Florida product has largely disappointed since racking up 1,026 receiving yards as a rookie in 2021, having battled injuries in 2022 then tallied receiving lines of just 53-667-3 in 2023 and 47-602-4 in 2024, though he has now suited up for all 17 games in back-to-back seasons. In three games with Michael Penix under center last year Pitts combined for just seven catches for 66 yards and one touchdown, so it seems crucial that he returns to full health sooner than later and can begin establishing a rapport with the second-year quarterback.

Pitts caught two of three targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 44-38 loss to the Panthers.

Pitts finished the 2024 campaign with a quiet day against Carolina. The 24-year-old tight end was mostly a disappointment for fantasy managers this season, totaling just 47 catches on 74 targets for 602 yards and four touchdowns. Pitts will remain under contract with Atlanta in 2025, as the Falcons exercised the $10.88 million team option last April. The Florida product will look to turn things around in a contract year next season, and he'll likely be catching passes from Michael Penix at quarterback with Kirk Cousins expected to be cut in the offseason.

Pitts caught four of five targets for 44 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-24 overtime loss to Washington.

Pitts turned in a rare strong fantasy line in Sunday's overtime loss. The underwhelming 2021 first-round pick upped his season marks to 49 receptions, 631 receiving yards and five touchdowns as Week 17 nears a close. Pitts has been a barometer for inconsistency in his four years in the league, making for a risky play as the Falcons prepare to host the Panthers next Sunday.

Pitts caught one of two targets for seven yards in Sunday's 34-7 win over the Giants.

Pitts continued his underwhelming 2024 campaign, hitting his lowest yardage total in a game in which he caught at least one pass. The fourth-year tight end played 30 of the Falcons' 67 offensive snaps Sunday, trailing fellow tight end Charlie Woerner, who finished the contest with 34 snaps. Pitts has not been a trustworthy fantasy option for much of the season, and things won't get much easier for the 24-year-old when the Falcons square off against the Commanders in Week 17.

Pitts secured all four targets for 28 yards in the Falcons' 15-9 win over the Raiders on Monday night.

The struggling tight end saw a welcome uptick in involvement, even as that came accompanied with a modest receiving yardage total. Pitts' catch and target totals were both team-high figures, and both the reception and yardage tallies also were his best since Week 10. Pitts will look to carry over the momentum into a Week 16 home matchup against the Giants.

Pitts caught one of six targets for 14 yards during Sunday's 42-21 loss to the Vikings.

Pitts was a respectable play during the first half of the season, posting 34 receptions on 49 targets for 485 yards and three touchdowns across his first 10 appearances. However, over the past four games, Pitts has two receptions on 11 targets for 23 yards. During that stretch, QB Kirk Cousins had some solid yardage totals, but he threw eight INTs and zero TDs. Despite that horrid stretch, the Falcons aren't planning on making a change at QB, even though rookie Michael Penix has looked good in limited action.

Pitts didn't record a catch on two targets during Sunday's 17-13 loss to the Chargers.

Pitts was held without a catch for the second time this season, and over the last four games, he has totaled six receptions on 12 targets for 75 yards. From Weeks 5-8, the tight end caught 21 of 27 targets for 314 yards and two touchdowns. However, that stretch is starting to look like an outlier compared to the rest of his season - 14 catches on 27 targets for 180 yards and a TD across his other eight appearances. It's worth noting Kirk Cousins had his worst game of the season against the Chargers, throwing four interceptions and zero touchdowns, so a bounce-back effort from the veteran QB could mean better production from Pitts moving forward.

Pitts caught one of three targets for nine yards in Sunday's 38-6 loss to the Broncos.

Pitts' season has been full of peaks and valleys, and he hit a low point in this lopsided loss. The 2021 fourth overall pick has been held to one catch in two of his last three games, a stretch that began right after Pitts set a season high with 91 receiving yards in Week 8 while scoring his first two touchdowns since Week 1. Pitts will look to get back on track in Week 13 against the Chargers following Atlanta's Week 12 bye.

Pitts caught four of six targets for 55 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Saints.

The fourth-year tight end bounced back from a Week 9 game in which he saw only one target, although Pitts' production Sunday was still nothing special. Over the last six games, he's delivered a 26-380-2 line on 34 targets, and he'll try to find another gear in Week 11 on the road against the Broncos.

Pitts (hamstring) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Saints.

WR Drake London, on the other hand, is listed as questionable with a hip injury. London and Pitts both were limited practice participants Wednesday and Thursday, but the tight end upgraded to full participation Friday while his teammate remained limited. Although fellow tight end Charlie Woerner has eaten into Pitts' playing time recently, Pitts had four straight weeks with at least five targets and 70 receiving yards prior to falling flat last Sunday against the Cowboys (one catch for 11 yards on one target). Any limitations for London would improve Pitts' chances to see more first-read targets and get back on track for fantasy managers.

Pitts (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Daniel Flick of SI.com reports.

One day removed from being estimated as a limited participant due to a hamstring issue, Pitts officially had a cap on his reps Thursday as the Falcons got back on the practice field. He thus has only more chance to prove his health this week before the Falcons potentially tag him with a designation ahead of Sunday's game at New Orleans. WR Drake London (hip pointer) also is banged-up, so the statuses of the team's top two pass catchers is up in the air for Week 10 action.

Pitts was estimated as limited on Wednesday's practice report due to a hamstring injury, Daniel Flick of SI.com reports.

Both Pitts and the Falcons' No. 1 WR Drake London (hip) received the same listing, leaving the statuses of the team's top two pass catchers up in the air for Week 10 action. Pitts will have two more opportunities this week in which to log a full practice or otherwise risk heading into the weekend with a designation for Sunday's contest in New Orleans.

Pitts secured his lone target for 11 yards in Sunday's 27-21 win over the Cowboys.

Pitts was basically an afterthought against the Cowboys on Sunday, as his one target in the contest was his lowest total of the season. Teammate Drake London (hop) exited the game, and could be in danger of missing Week 10. If London is sidelined, Pitts could see a boost in targets, which could provide for a big bounce-back week. Through nine games, the 24-year-old has totaled 50 receptions for 552 yards and six touchdowns, puttin him on pace to have his most productive season in his three-year career. Pitts and the Falcons will visit the Saints in Week 10.

Pitts secured four of five targets for 91 yards and two touchdowns in the Falcons' 31-26 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Pitts finished just a catch and yard short of team leader Darnell Mooney, but the talented tight end continued to generate the type of production befitting his vast skill set. Pitts struck from 36 and 49 yards out in the first and second quarters, respectively, with Antoine Winfield stripping the ball from a a relaxed Pitts just after the latter had broken the plane of the goal line. The 2021 first-round pick's yardage tally was a new season high, and he's now been at 65 yards or more in four consecutive contests heading into a Week 9 home battle against the Cowboys.

Pitts brought in seven of nine targets for 65 yards in the Falcons' 34-14 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.

Pitts led the Falcons in receptions, receiving yards and targets across the board while also tying a season high in catches. The gifted tight end appears to have found his groove in coordinator Zac Robinson's offense, as he now boasts three straight games with at least Sunday's 65 receiving yards and has brought in 17 of 22 targets in that span. Pitts should have a key role once again during a key Week 8 NFC South clash against the Buccaneers in Tampa.

Pitts had three receptions on five targets for 70 yards in Sunday's 38-20 win over the Panthers.

Pitts did most of his damage on a 52-yard reception that wound up being the longest play of the game. Atlanta's rushing attack finished off most of Sunday's offensive drives, so the improving tight end remains scoreless since his Week 1 touchdown against Pittsburgh. Pitts has strung together a pair of solid receiving lines since getting shut out in Week 4, restoring faith in fantasy managers ahead of next Sunday's tilt against the Seahawks.

Pitts brought in seven of eight targets for 88 yards in the Falcons' 36-30 overtime win over the Buccaneers on Thursday night.

Pitts finished third in receptions and receiving yards on a prolific passing night for the Falcons offense, generating a receiving line that also served as a season-best one across the board. Much like teammate Bijan Robinson, another player with a rich skill set that transcends his position, Pitts' usage has been the subject of much consternation by team fans and fantasy managers alike. Thursday night's usage was therefore highly encouraging, but whether it will have any long-term carryover is a question that will begin to be answered in a Week 6 road divisional clash with the Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 13.

Pitts failed to catch any of his three targets in Sunday's 26-24 win over the Saints.

It was another poor showing for the tight end, who has managed just a 5-79-0 line on 12 targets over the last three games. Pitts' struggles have mirrored those of Kirk Cousins, who has yet to have a breakout performance for his new club. Even if the veteran QB does begin to put up better numbers though, he seems to have a better rapport with wideouts like Darnell Mooney than he does with Pitts. The fourth overall pick in the 2021 Draft will try to shake off his malaise in Week 5 against the Buccaneers.

Pitts brought in two of five targets for 59 yards in Sunday's 22-17 loss to the Chiefs.

Pitts did most of his damage on a 50-yard reception that did not result in a touchdown in Sunday's narrow loss. The 2021 first-round pick has produced 105 yards and one touchdown off of eight receptions through three weeks. Better days should be ahead for the athletic tight end now that a proven arm like Kirk Cousins is delivering him the football compared to recent signal-callers. That said, Pitts' production to-date will result in a mid-level rating heading into another tough defensive matchup against the Saints on Sunday.

Pitts secured three of four targets for 20 yards in the Falcons' 22-21 win over the Eagles on Monday night.

Pitts did have a key 11-yard reception, his longest of the night, to open the Falcons' game-winning drive, but his fantasy production was undeniably disappointing. Through two games, Pitts' fantasy managers have to be somewhat worried about a reprisal of his last two lackluster campaigns, but it's also fair to note Kirk Cousins is still developing chemistry with all his pass catchers and the offense as a whole is adapting to Zac Robinson's scheme. Pitts will aim to be more involved in a Week 3 home matchup against the Chiefs on Sunday night.

Pitts recorded three receptions on three targets for 26 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Steelers.

The distribution of targets in Atlanta was surprising, as Ray-Ray McCloud led the team with seven looks followed by Bijan Robinson. In that context, Pitts had a decent showing that was highlighted by a 12-yard touchdown late in the first half. Pitts has never found the end zone more than three times in a season and hadn't scored earlier than Week 5 entering 2024. Despite the disappointing result Sunday, Kirk Cousins should elevate the Falcons' offense, in turn improving Pitts' production.

Pitts (hamstring) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Pitts was limited Wednesday before resuming full practice participation Thursday and Friday. He should be ready for a full workload in his first game with QB Kirk Cousins and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson -- a duo that many expect to propel Pitts to a breakout season.

Pitts (hamstring) practiced fully Thursday.

One day removed from showing up on the Falcons' initial Week 1 injury report as limited due to a hamstring issue, Pitts handled every practice rep Thursday, following up his own comment from Wednesday that he'd be 100 percent for Sunday's contest against the Steelers, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Pitts has a new context heading into 2024 with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on board, which may allow the fourth-year tight end to tap into the talent that resulted in a huge rookie receiving line (68-1,026-1 on 110 targets in 17 regular-season games) in the 2021 campaign.

Pitts (hamstring) said Wednesday he expects to be 100 percent healthy for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Steelers despite being limited in practice, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Pitts said that his limitations at Wednesday's practice will only amount to missing a play or two, per Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com. Meanwhile, when asked if there are any concerns about Pitts' status for Week 1, William McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports that head coach Raheem Morris answered "not for me." The athletic tight end will have two more chances to upgrade to a 'full' practice level, but even if he carries an injury designation into the weekend, it sounds like fantasy managers will be able to rely on Pitts with full confidence for Atlanta's regular-season opener. With the arrival of Kirk Cousins under center, Pitts may be primed for a true breakout campaign while paired with the best quarterback play of his four-year career.

Coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday that Pitts (hamstring) will be limited in practice, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Pitts will open Atlanta's first official practice report of the regular season with a hamstring injury, though throughout training camp and the preseason he seemed to be at full health. The fourth-year tight end still has two more chances to upgrade to a 'full' participation level ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Steelers, which will be Pitts' first chance to display what he's able to accomplish with Kirk Cousins under center. The Falcons have Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley behind Pitts at the tight end position, but both profile primarily as blockers.

Pitts is listed among starters the Falcons announced are not expected to suit up for Friday's road preseason matchup against Miami, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

Pitts, who had his 2025 fifth-year option exercised by Atlanta earlier this offseason, stands to sit out Friday's preseason opener along with most of the Falcons' first-team offense and defense. The fourth-year tight end is a popular breakout candidate for the 2024 season due to the arrival of Kirk Cousins under center, plus his being another year removed from the MCL sprain in his right knee that prematurely ended his 2022 campaign. Pitts' next chance to take the field for preseason action will come Aug. 17 against Baltimore on the road.

The Falcons exercised Pitts' 2025 fifth-year option, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

It's a no-brainer move for the Falcons, even if Pitts, the No. 8 overall pick of the 2021 Draft, is coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons after going over 1,000 yards as a rookie. The hope in Atlanta is that the acquisition of Kirk Cousins coupled with the new coaching staff can help maximize Pitts' abilities. He figures to be a popular 2024 rebound candidate in both real-life and fantasy football.

Pitts looks set to benefit from improved quarterback play, with Kirk Cousins (Achilles) slated to sign a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta, Michael Rothstein of ESPN reports.

Pitts could be the Falcons' skill-position player most primed to benefit from a quarterback upgrade, having begun his NFL career with a 1,026-yard rookie campaign while paired with an aged Matt Ryan in 2021, and since turned in 356- and 667-yard efforts while catching passes from Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke, plus battling injuries. Fantasy managers may be too fatigued to make Pitts a true consensus breakout candidate for the 2024 campaign, in addition to Cousins likely being the best quarterback he's played with in his career, even coming off an Achilles tear, there's more at work in favor of the 2021 fourth overall pick, and once-consensus 'generational prospect.' Pitts will get to enter this offseason at full health after having to rehab from an MCL sprain last year, and the departure of fellow pass-catching tight end Jonnu Smith to Miami opens a path back up to an uncontested starting role.

Pitts finished 2023 with 53 receptions on 90 targets for 667 yards and three touchdowns across 17 appearances.

Pitts struggled to dominate in Year 3, but he was a consistent producer, securing multiple receptions in all but one game. Most importantly, Pitts played all 17 games in 2023 after suffering a season-ending MCL sprain in his right knee in Week 11 of 2022. Many fantasy managers are rightfully out on Pitts as a top-tier tight end, but with a healthy offseason and a new head coach, the 2021 No. 4 overall pick may be in store for a bounce-back campaign during the final year of his rookie contract. However, Jonnu Smith, who flourished during his first campaign in Atlanta, is also under contract for 2024, so he may siphon some targets and opportunities away from Pitts again next season.

Pitts posted one catch (on five targets) for five yards during Sunday's 37-17 loss in Chicago.

No matter who's been under center for the Falcons this season, Pitts hauled in multiple passes in each of the team's first 15 games of the season, but Taylor Heinicke misfired on all four of his throws directed at the tight end before Desmond Ridder connected with Pitts for five yards late in the fourth quarter. Instead, Atlanta's offense focused on RB Bijan Robinson (18 touches) and WR Drake London (four catches on 10 targets), with no other player seeing more than RB Tyler Allgeier's six touches. Pitts will look to bounce back Week 18 on the road against a Saints defense that has allowed the fourth-most TDs (seven) to opposing TEs in 16 games on the campaign.

Pitts brought in three of four targets for 49 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons' 29-10 win over the Colts on Sunday.

The talented but often underused tight end was able to put the Falcons on the board for the first time on the afternoon with a 24-yard scoring grab in the first quarter, his second touchdown in the last three games. Pitts' three-catch tally was also his third straight, and he could have a chance at more productive outings over the last two games of the season with Taylor Heinicke now at quarterback in place of the inconsistent Desmond Ridder.

Pitts brought in three of four targets for 37 yards in the Falcons' 9-7 loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

Pitts' catch total, modest as it was, led the Falcons on the afternoon. The third-year tight end also paced the team in targets, with the low bar across all major receiving categories a reflection of the combination of Desmond Ridder's mediocre play and head coach Arthur Smith's conservative offensive mentality. Pitts had eclipsed 50 yards in back-to-back games for the first time this season in Weeks 13 and 14, but his downturn Sunday is a reminder of how difficult it is to trust any component of the Falcons' air attack during the fantasy playoffs.

Pitts brought in three of six targets for 57 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons' 29-25 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Pitts finished a distant second in receiving yards to Drake London (172) on the afternoon for the Falcons, but the underused tight end did make a big splash with a 36-yard touchdown grab early in the second quarter on a nicely thrown ball from Desmond Ridder. Pitts has drawn 14 total targets over the last two games, which has netted a 7-108 line in that span. Pitts' next opportunity to build on the momentum comes in a Week 15 road matchup against the Panthers.

Pitts caught four of eight targets for 51 yards in Sunday's 13-8 win over the Jets.

Pitts led the Falcons in targets, catches and receiving yards as Desmond Ridder threw for only 121 yards in this defensive battle. Atlanta's poor quarterback play coupled with coach Arthur Smith's run-heavy game plans have limited Pitts' effectiveness, as this was only the third time the talented tight end surpassed 50 receiving yards in 12 appearances this season. In Week 14, Pitts will face the Buccaneers, against whom he had three catches for 47 yards in a Week 7 win.

Pitts hauled in both targets for 22 yards in the Falcons' 24-15 win over the Saints on Sunday.

The talented tight end was once again a virtual afterthought in the air attack, dispelling any hopes that he might have a more expanded role coming out of the team's Week 11 bye. Pitts has topped four receptions just twice all season and last accomplished the feat in Week 5, while the 56 yards he mustered against the Vikings in Week 9 serves as his high-water mark in that category since that contest as well.

Pitts caught three of five targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 25-23 loss to the Cardinals.

The five targets actually led the Falcons on the day as Taylor Heinicke (hamstring) and Desmond Ridder combined for a woeful 21 pass attempts and 94 yards. Pitts has caught at least three passes in five straight games, but while his fantasy floor seems to have stabilized, his ceiling remains all but absent -- the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has just one TD during that stretch, the only one he's scored all year, and his best showing in those five games is a mere 56 yards. Pitts and the Falcons will get a bye next week, but he might be able to make an impact in Week 12 against a Saints defense that's suddenly looked vulnerable to tight ends, getting lit up by T.J. Hockenson and Cole Kmet in consecutive weeks.

Pitts missed Friday's practice for personal reasons but doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Pitts is temporarily away from the team for the birth of his son. It won't impact his availability for Sunday, and if he scores his second TD of the season it's a safe bet the celebration will include some reference to the newborn baby.

Pitts recorded four receptions on five targets for 56 yards in Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Vikings.

Pitts' modest stat line was still good enough for his second-best yardage total of the season, while also marking only the second time he's topped 50 receiving yards for the campaign. His most notable gain came on a 27-yard came early in the fourth quarter on a catch deep down the left sideline. The other potential positive was that this was Taylor Heinicke's first full game, perhaps a sign that improved production could be on the way for Pitts.

Pitts caught three of five targets for 35 yards during Sunday's 28-23 loss to the Titans.

For a second, Pitts appeared to be turning a corner, totaling 11 receptions (17 targets) for 130 yards and a score across Weeks 5 and 6. Since then, he's accumulated just six receptions (10 targets) for 82 yards. On Sunday, Pitts (41) once again saw fewer offensive snaps than Jonnu Smith (48), and as long as the two are splitting the tight-end workload, it'll be tough for Pitts to be a must-start option in fantasy on a weekly basis.

Pitts reeled in three of four targets for 47 yards during Sunday's 16-13 win at Tampa Bay.

For a third consecutive contest, Pitts logged fewer than 60 percent of the snaps (52, to be precise) after earning at least that many in the first four games of the season. His target count also tied his second fewest in a game through seven weeks, resulting in his sixth performance with less than 50 yards to date. Fellow tight end Jonnu Smith notched one more snap than Pitts (35-34) on Sunday en route to three catches (on three targets) for 27 yards. As long as Pitts continues to split the workload at the position, he'll be tough to warrant weekly lineup consideration in a number of formats.

Pitts caught four of six targets for 43 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Commanders.

Pitts caught a first-down pass and a touchdown on the Falcons' opening drive, but he was quiet after that. It was still another encouraging performance for the uber-talented tight end, who's now tallied 11 receptions for 130 yards and a score over the last two games after totaling just 11 receptions for 121 yards and zero scores across his first four appearances of the season. While he's trending in the right direction, Pitts' production hasn't been prolific yet this season, and there are still major concerns with his fantasy profile. However, if you used a middle-round pick on Pitts, you'll likely have to roll the dice on a weekly basis, hoping the 2021 first-round pick can finally reach his potential on a consistent basis.

Pitts brought in seven of 11 targets for 87 yards in the Falcons' 21-19 win over the Texans on Sunday.

Pitts was finally deployed in a manner befitting his talent, leading to team-high figures in receptions, receiving yards and targets. The third-year tight end's stat sheet was his best across the board this season as well, but his week-to-week production is likely to continue to fluctuate in head coach Arthur Smith's run-centric offense.

Pitts caught two of four targets for 21 yards during Sunday's 23-7 loss to Jacksonville.

Over the past three weeks, Pitts has caught seven passes (18 targets) for 77 yards, while Jonnu Smith has secured 15 receptions (20 targets) for 179 yards. Opposing defenses are certainly keying on Pitts more than Smith, but this trend is still worrisome. For now, fantasy managers probably want to look elsewhere for help at tight end, but Pitts should still be rostered in most leagues with the hope that he breaks out eventually.

Pitts caught five of nine targets for 41 yards during Sunday's 20-6 loss to the Lions. He also rushed once for negative-four yards.

Pitts led the team in targets, receptions and receiving yards, but it still wasn't the breakout performance fantasy managers were hoping for. If the tight end starts to see this type of production on a weekly basis, he'll quickly reassert himself as a must-start player moving forward. However, it's worth noting that this was only the third time in Pitts' career that he's garnered nine or more targets. Pitts continues to have immense real-world talent, but he's been a frustrating fantasy option early in his career.

Pitts caught two of five targets for 15 yards during Sunday's 25-24 win over the Packers.

Pitts saw two more targets than he did in the season opener, but his production plummeted. The 2021 first-round pick has all the talent in the world, but he's been an extremely disappointing fantasy option since a dazzling rookie campaign in which he posted 68 receptions on 110 targets for 1,026 yards and one touchdown. He's accumulated just 32 catches on 67 targets for 415 yards over his last 12 appearances. He remains a focal point of Atlanta's passing game, but it's currently difficult to trust any Falcons receiving option in the team's extremely run-heavy scheme.

Pitts caught two of three targets for 44 yards during Sunday's 24-10 win over the Panthers.

Aside from a 26-yard reception being called back due to illegal motion, Pitts was quiet for most of the day. However, he made his presence felt with a huge 34-yard catch in the fourth quarter which was quickly followed up by Tyler Allgeier's second touchdown. As expected, Atlanta leaned heavily on the run, limiting Pitts and Drake London's opportunities, but both former first-round picks should have more chances moving forward.

Pitts recorded one reception on one target for nine yards in Friday's 13-13 tie against the Bengals in Friday's preseason action.

Pitts played on Atlanta's first offensive possession with the top unit and recorded his lone reception on the third play of the game. The results are less important than the fact that Pitts played in his first game action since undergoing surgery on his MCL to end his 2022 campaign. He should be ready to lead the Falcons' receiving corps alongside Drake London for a Week 1 matchup against the Panthers.

Pitts (knee) didn't participate in the team portions of Wednesday's practice,D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The Falcons having been easing Pitts back into the mix, as he bounces back from an MCL injury, but coach Arthur Smith noted Wednesday that the team plans to "put a little more on (the tight end) as we ramp him up," adding "we'll push him a little more next week." With that in mind, it doesn't seem likely that Pitts will see action in Friday's preseason opener against the Dolphins, but the 2021 first-rounder continues to progress and is on track to be a key part of Atlanta's offense come Week 1.

Pitts (knee) ran routes against defenders Monday for the first time this summer, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The Falcons are easing Pitts into training camp after last year's MCL injury, with coach Arthur Smith noting Monday that the tight end is on track with his "return to play" plan. Smith also suggested Pitts could take snaps this preseason, though it'll nonetheless be surprising if the 2021 first-round pick makes more than a token appearance. Concern regarding Pitts' fantasy prospects for 2023 has more to do with his lack of production pre-injury last year than any doubt about his Week 1 status; at this point it seems he's healthy and the Falcons are just being cautious.

Pitts (knee) practiced Wednesday, wearing a brace on his right knee, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Pitts was able to run routes with a brace on Wednesday, opening camp as an active participant. The uber-talented tight end is entering his third season in the NFL and he will have his third different opening week quarterback in Desmond Ridder. Pitts underwent MCL surgery in November and he appears on track to enter 2023 fully healthy.

Coach Arthur Smith said Wednesday that Pitts (knee) will be on the practice field, Justin Felder of Fox Sports Atlanta reports.

Pitts will be on the field for the Falcons' first session of training camp, though he may not be a full participant quite yet. The 2021 first-round pick didn't take part in minicamp due to recovery from right MCL surgery, an injury which limited him to just 10 appearances last season. Progressing through training camp without any setbacks would bode well for Pitts, who fantasy managers are hoping can establish chemistry with quarterback Desmond Ridder and truly break out heading into Year 3.

Pitts (knee) isn't participating in the Falcons' current minicamp, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

That said, coach Arthur Smith noted that Pitts is "trending in (a) positive direction" with regard to training camp. Assuming no setbacks in his recovery from an MCL injury, the 2021 first-rounder is poised to approach the coming season as one of the Falcons' top weapons in an offense that will also feature wideout Drake London and a running attack headed by the combo of Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson. During the 2022 campaign, Pitts logged just 28 catches for 356 yards and two TDs on 59 targets through 10 games, but if he's able to develop good on-field chemistry with presumed starting QB Desmond Ridder, a bounce-back effort could be in store for Pitts in his third season as a pro.

Pitts (knee) isn't practicing this week, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Pitts spent the winter rehabbing from November surgery on a Grade 2 MCL sprain, and given the typical return timeline it's possible he's already back to full strength and is just absent from voluntary OTAs or being brought along cautiously. Earlier reports had him on schedule in the recovery process, and Falcons coach Arthur Smith said this week that he expects all the guys absent from practice this week to be ready for training camp. The knee is probably less of a concern than how Pitts fits in Smith's run-heavy offense, after he dropped from 60.4 yards per game and 9.4 per target as a rookie to 35.6 YPG and 6.0 YPT last season. The Falcons will continue running often after using the eighth overall pick on RB Bijan Robinson, but it's at least a safe assumption that whatever passing volume they have will largely go to Pitts and WR Drake London. It's harder to say if the trio of top-10 picks -- one from each of the past three drafts -- can help second-year QB Desmond Ridder become an efficient passer.

Falcons tight end coach Justin Peele said Monday that Pitts (knee) is "on schedule" in his recovery, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Pitts is recovering from right knee surgery undergone late November to address a Grade 2 MCL sprain. Suffering the injury Week 11 cut Pitts' sophomore campaign short, as he logged just 10 appearances, but there haven't been any hints of concern out of Atlanta about him potentially missing time during offseason workouts. In any case, Pitts should be back to full health well before the start of the 2023 season, barring any setbacks. The athletic tight end posted 1,026 receiving yards as a rookie, and depending on the Falcons' quarterback situation next season, Pitts may once again be a popular option in the early rounds of fantasy drafts.

Coach Arthur Smith ruled Pitts (knee) out for the season Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Smith said Pitts' right knee surgery to repair MCL damage is "nothing that concerns us going into 2023." The 2021 fourth overall pick suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain Week 11 versus the Bears, ending his sophomore season with 28 catches for 356 and two scores on 59 targets, through 10 games. After Pitts posted an outstanding 68-1026-1 receiving line as a rookie, his diminished production in Atlanta's run-heavy offense with Marcus Mariota under center was disappointing to say the least, especially for fantasy purposes. Next season, Pitts' fantasy outlook will heavily depend upon the state of the Falcons' passing offense. In the meantime, Parker Hesse and MyCole Pruitt will hold down the fort at tight end.

Pitts announced Wednesday via his personal Instagram account that he underwent surgery to repair a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee.

While Atlanta hasn't officially announced a recovery timeline for Pitts or revealed whether he'll be able to return this season, the second-year tight end will be sidelined through at least Week 16 after being placed on injured reserve Nov. 21. While Pitts was sidelined in the Falcons' Week 12 loss to the Commanders, Parker Hesse led the Atlanta tight-end group with 33 snaps (60 percent), but it was MyCole Pruitt (two catches for nine yards and a touchdown) who was the more productive fantasy option despite playing three fewer snaps.

Coach Arthur Smith said Wednesday that Pitts (knee) will require surgery to address his injury, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Smith said that a recovery timetable for Pitts, who was placed on IR on Monday, will not be known until after his procedure has completed. The Falcons reportedly fear that the 2021 first-round pick is dealing with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee, though official clarification on the nature of Pitts' injury is still to come. Pitts will need to miss a minimum of four games due to his placement on IR, but pending an update from Atlanta after his procedure, it remains to be seen whether the tight end will return this season.

Pitts likely has a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Pitts picked up the injury during this past Sunday's win against the Bears. Considering the Falcons placed him on IR one day later, a Grade 2 diagnosis makes sense because it's typically accompanied by a two-to-four week recovery timeline. Pitts will miss at least the next four games as a result of that transaction, although surgery could potentially cost him the rest of the season. While the second-year pro is sidelined, Parker Hesse, MyCole Pruitt and Anthony Firkser are candidates to fill in at tight end.

Atlanta placed Pitts (knee) on injured reserve Monday.

Pitts suffered an MCL tear in his right knee during Sunday's win over the Bears and will be sidelined for at least the next four games, though it's possible the tight end remains out for the remainder of the campaign. There hasn't been a decision on whether or not he'll undergo surgery, but Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports that a procedure is "likely." While Pitts may have been disappointing in fantasy due to a high ADP, coach Arthur Smith has been pleased with Pitts' overall progression this season. "People just look at the stats, but his impact on winning has been enormous for us," Smith said. In Pitts' absence, Parker Hesse, MyCole Pruitt, Anthony Firkser and Feleipe Franks (calf) are candidates for increased snaps at tight end, but the likes of Drake London, Olamide Zaccheaus and KhaDarel Hodge will also have to help mitigate the loss of Atlanta's third leading receiver.

Pitts (knee) is feared to have suffered an MCL tear during Sunday's 27-24 win over the Bears, an injury that would require surgery, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

It was initially reported by Rapoport that the initial diagnosis of Pitts' injury was an MCL sprain, but it appears that his MRI on Monday has revealed more substantial damage. Pitts is reportedly seeking a second opinion, but it appears that he could be in danger of a potentially season-ending injury. Coach Arthur Smith may provide an official update on Pitts' health during his media availability Monday.

Pitts (knee) is believed to have suffered an MCL sprain during Sunday's 27-24 win over the Bears, and he will have an MRI on Monday to confirm, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Pitts was able to leave the field under his own power Sunday, and he caught three of his five targets for 43 yards before exiting. If the 2021 first-round pick's injury diagnosis is confirmed via MRI on Monday, the Falcons will stand to provide an official update on his health, potentially along with an expected return timetable. Grade I and Grade II sprains require significantly different recovery periods, so fantasy managers will need to await further clarification in any case.

Coach Arthur Smith didn't have an update on the status of Pitts (knee) following Sunday's win over the Bears, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Prior to his exit from the contest, Pitts caught three of his five targets for 43 yards. In any case, the 2021 first-rounder's status will need to be monitored closely as next Sunday's game against the Commanders approaches, with Parker Hesse and MyCole Pruitt next up for TE snaps should Pitts be forced to miss any time.

Pitts is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup against the Bears due to a knee injury, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Pitts took a hard hit after securing an 18-yard catch over the middle and was able to jog off the field, but he went immediately to the locker room. He led the team in targets (five), receptions (three) and receiving yards (43) before exiting, so his potential absence would be a huge blow to Atlanta's offense. Parker Hesse and MyCole Pruitt are candidates for increased snaps with Pitts sidelined, but neither tight end possesses the pass-catching skills that the 2021 first-round pick has.

Pitts secured two of eight targets for 28 yards in the Falcons' 25-15 loss to the Panthers on Thursday night.

Pitts led the team in targets for the second time in four days, but he once again was limited to just two receptions. Pitts now has an encouraging 21 targets over the last three games overall, but his 9-135-1 line in that span is underwhelming to a degree. Pitts' upside is likely to remain capped while Marcus Mariota is under center and restricted to a game-manager role, but the 2021 first-round pick will aim for a boost in production and better efficiency against the vulnerable Bears defense in a Week 11 home matchup a week from Sunday.

Pitts secured two of seven targets for 27 yards in the Falcons' 20-17 loss to the Chargers on Sunday.

Pitts paced the Falcons in receiving yards and tied with Drake London for the lead in targets, but the sparseness of the former tally is a testament to how underwhelming a day it was for Atlanta's air attack overall. The athletic tight end is a victim of head coach Arthur Smith's decision to keep Marcus Mariota in a very strict game manager role, so expectations should be tempered despite what would seem to be a mostly favorable matchup against the Panthers in a Week 10 Thursday night clash.

Pitts caught five of nine targets for 80 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 37-34 win over the Panthers.

Pitts led the Falcons in receptions, targets and yards while submitting his best performance of the season. The second-year tight end's second score of the campaign came on a well-schemed play that left Pitts wide open for a two-yard score. However, he also made plenty of big plays through the air as well, catching passes of 26 and 33 yards. Given his high ADP, Pitts has certainly been a disappointment, but he's also capable of breaking out of his slump in a big way. Pitts will look to build off his season-high performance against the Chargers in Week 9.

Pitts recorded three receptions on five targets for nine yards in Sunday's 35-17 loss to the Bengals.

Pitts led the Falcons in targets, though he was still limited as Atlanta stuck to an extremely run-heavy offensive gameplan despite trailing the entire game. That's been a problem for the entire season, as Pitts has at least five targets in only three of his six games this season and has topped 25 receiving yards in a game only once. His struggles can't all be pinned to volume however, as he's also averaged only 5.9 yards per target. The end result has been a very disappointing sophomore campaign for Pitts.

Pitts hauled in all three of his targets for 19 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 28-14 victory over the 49ers.

Pitts returned to action in Week 6 following a one-game absence due to a hamstring injury and scored his first touchdown of the campaign. Given his high ADP, the second-year tight end has been a major disappointment this season, but he still remains a key part of Atlanta's offense. Through five appearances, Pitts has caught 13 of 25 targets for 169 yards and one score. He'll look to build off his solid performance during the Falcons' Week 7 matchup against the Bengals.

Pitts (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game versus the 49ers, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Pitts is back from a one-game absence due to a hamstring injury, and he'll be a welcome sight for quarterback Marcus Mariota against San Francisco's third-ranked pass defense (177.8 yards per game). Through four appearances in his second campaign, Pitts has one outing with at least 80 yards, three others with 25 or fewer yards and no touchdowns on 22 targets.

Pitts (hamstring), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The tight end returned to limited practices Wednesday through Friday after sitting out all of last week and ultimately missing the 21-15 loss to Tampa Bay. Pitts also said Wednesday that he expects to play, but fantasy managers will still want to confirm his status when inactivates are announced before Atlanta's 1 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday.

Pitts (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Pitts said Wednesday that he expects to play, but the Falcons may still view it as an unresolved matter ahead of their 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday. The tight end returned to limited practices this week, after sitting out all of last week and ultimately missing the 21-15 loss to Tampa Bay. His absence led to a jump in playing time for converted college QB Feleipe Franks, who finished with two targets (both incomplete) on 30 snaps (45 percent), after playing just six snaps total over the first four weeks of the season.

Pitts (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Ashton Edmunds of the Falcons' official site reports.

Pitts maintained his activity level for a second straight session, which comes on the heels of the first absence of his career due to a hamstring injury. It should be noted that the rookie tight end relayed to Josh Kendall of The Athletic on Wednesday that he expects to be available Sunday against the 49ers, so Pitts' listing on Friday's practice report may back up that sentiment.

Pitts (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Scott Bair of the Falcons' official site reports.

One week removed from not practicing at all before logging the first DNP of his career this past Sunday at Tampa Bay, Pitts was back on the field as Atlanta gears up for a Week 6 matchup with the 49ers. He told Josh Kendall of The Athletic on Wednesday that he expects to return Sunday, but he may need to practice in full Thursday and/or Friday to enter the weekend without a designation.

Coach Arthur Smith said Wednesday that Pitts (hamstring) will resume practicing, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Pitts sat out Week 5 after being sidelined for three straight practices with a hamstring issue, so it will be encouraging to see him handle even a limited session Wednesday. Smith said the Falcons will monitor Pitts in practice throughout the week before making a decision about his availability for Sunday's contest against the 49ers.

Coach Arthur Smith doesn't expect Pitts' hamstring injury to be a long-term problem, though the tight end won't play this Sunday in Tampa Bay, ESPN.com's Michael Rothstein reports.

The Falcons seem to be optimistic Pitts will miss only a game or two, but it's hard to know for sure after he was held out of practice all week and then ruled out for Sunday's contest. Parker Hesse and Anthony Firkser figure to get most of the TE snaps for an Atlanta offense that was already running low on skill-position talent after RB Cordarrelle Patterson (knee) landed on injured reserve. Pitts' next chance to play is Sun. Oct. 16 (Week 6) against the 49ers, the second of three straight matchups in which Atlanta faces a 2021 playoff team with a strong defense.

Pitts (hamstring) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Pitts has missed three consecutive practices due to a hamstring injury, and the question now becomes whether he will manage to recover in time for Week 6 versus the 49ers. Parker Hesse and Anthony Firkser will work to pick up the slack at tight end versus Tampa Bay on Sunday, but fantasy managers in need of a replacement for Pitts could have better luck perusing the waiver wire than Atlanta's positional depth chart.

Pitts (hamstring) is not practicing Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Pitts appears destined to be ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, as he's coming off three straight missed practices due to a hamstring injury. That would mark the first absence of Pitts' professional career, and potentially even cast doubt on his availability for Week 6. Parker Hesse and Anthony Firkser will stand to handle increased reps if Pitts is indeed sidelined Sunday, but fantasy managers may want to look to another situation entirely for replacement production at the tight end position.

Pitts (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant in Thursday's practice, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

With consecutive absences from practice to begin Week 5 prep, Pitts could be in danger of missing the first game of his NFL career. Even if Pitts is able to get back on the practice field Friday to clear up some concern about his status for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, fantasy managers may still have some hesitancy about including the 22-year-old in lineups. Pitts' contributions have been disappointing in three of his first four games of the season, and he's coming off a Week 4 performance against the Browns in which he played just 62 percent of the Falcons' offensive snaps while recording one reception for 25 yards on four targets. The fact that he may not be close to 100 percent healthy if he suits up against the Buccaneers may be another reason for managers to consider replacing him in Week 5 lineups.

Pitts (hamstring) wasn't spotted during the media-access portion of Thursday's practice, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Pitts missed Wednesday's practice, so the tight end's status will be worth monitoring closely ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. In the event that Pitts is sidelined or limited this weekend, Parker Hesse and Anthony Firkser would be in line to see added snaps in Week 5.

Pitts missed Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury, Scott Bair of the Falcons' official site reports.

The hamstring may have played a role in his season-low 62 percent snap share this past Sunday against the Browns, but it may also have just been a product of Atlanta going run-heavy, considering his share was only slightly larger (67 percent) the week before in his one productive receiving outing (5-87-0) this season. It remains to be seen if Pitts is in serious danger of missing Sunday's game in Tampa Bay, as coach Arthur Smith didn't have any comment Wednesday beyond referring reporters to the official injury report.

Pitts isn't participating in the open portion of practice Wednesday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Health is the one thing that's gone right for Pitts this year, while his target volume (5.5 per game) and per-target efficiency (6.8 YPT, 45.5 percent catch rate) have left much to be desired in an offense quarterbacked by a struggling Marcus Mariota. No injury has been reported, but that's the most likely explanation for the tight end's absence Wednesday. If it's nothing serious, Pitts should see more looks this coming Sunday against a stout Tampa Bay defense that typically faces a lot of passes and not as many runs.

Pitts caught one of four targets for 25 yards during Sunday's 23-20 win over the Browns.

Pitts played a season-low 62 percent of the team's offensive snaps, but he still finished second on the team in targets behind Drake London (two catches on seven targets for 17 yards). Regardless, the second-year pro's production was certainly disappointing after he caught five of eight targets for 87 yards -- all season highs -- during the team's Week 3 win over the Seahawks. Through four games, Pitts has caught 10 of 22 targets for 150 yards, and he's still only secured one touchdown across 21 career games, which continues to be an unusual trend for the athletic 6-foot-6 tight end.

Pitts caught five of eight targets for 87 yards during Sunday's 27-23 victory over the Seahawks.

After a quiet start to the season, Pitts was targeted early and often during Sunday's win, finishing with team highs in targets, receptions and receiving yards. Four of Pitts' five catches went for at least 10 yards, including a 28-yard gain in the first quarter. Marcus Mariota also probably missed the tight end on a few deep balls, hindering his potential production, but Pitts still submitted a solid performance. However, his lack of involvement in the red zone continues to be a concerning trend from his rookie year. Pitts was never going to be held in check for the entire season, but if he can't find the end zone more in 2022, the second-year phenom will have a difficult time reaching his full potential.

Pitts recorded two receptions on three targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 31-27 loss to the Rams.

Marcus Mariota attempted only 26 passes on the day, though Pitts' target total was still surprising. He managed receptions of only 13 and six yards and now has 19 receiving yards in each of his first two games of the season. If there is a positive to take away, Drake London appears to be emerging as a legitimate offensive weapon and could take defensive attention away from Pitts.

Pitts caught two of seven targets for 19 yards during Sunday's 27-26 loss to New Orleans.

Pitts was targeted two times on the Falcons' opening drive, hauling in one catch for 11 yards. He added an eight-yard reception at the end of the first half that set up a last-second field goal from Younghoe Koo. However, the phenom tight end was shutout in the second half as the Falcons offense sputtered, which allowed the Saints to make a fourth-quarter comeback. Pitts tied rookie wideout Drake London in targets but finished fourth on the team in receiving yards behind a trio of receivers -- London, Olamide Zaccheaus and KhaDarel Hodge. Due to Pitts' high ADP, his Week 1 performance was disappointing, but his high target share bodes well for a potential bounce-back performance against the Rams in Week 2.

Pitts caught his only target for 52 yards in Monday's preseason loss to the Jets.

Pitts made the most of his brief appearance in Atlanta's second preseason game by blowing past the Jets' secondary for the big gain. Marcus Mariota underthrew the pass slightly, likely costing Pitts the chance to reach the end zone. Pitts looks almost certain to be the focal point of the Falcons' passing attack in 2022, especially with rookie Drake London (knee) currently sidelined.

Coach Arthur Smith said any Falcon who is healthy is slated to play in Monday's preseason game at the Jets, a group that includes Pitts, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Smith relayed the news on Monday Night Countdown on ESPN. This will mark Pitts' second appearance of exhibition season, after he went without a target on 10 offensive snaps preseason Week 1 at Detroit. With Drake London (knee) and likely Bryan Edwards (shoulder) sidelined Monday, Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson represent the biggest names that will be at Marcus Mariota's disposal.

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is hopeful Pitts is heading towards a Year 2 leap after spending the offseason working on his blocking ability, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Pitts caught 68 passes for 1,026 yards last season, but the majority of his production came when he was lined up as a receiver. Smith believes that unlocking Pitts' full potential involves refining his craft as a blocker, so the 6-foot-6 athlete can be moved around to create mismatches. The second-year pro has earned high praise for his offseason work with Smith even calling his 10 snaps during the preseason opener "a winning effort" strictly based on his blocking alone. Pitts did struggle in the red zone as a rookie, catching just one touchdown, so his increased prowess in the trenches may be a good sign for his overall fantasy outlook in 2022.

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said Pitts is only "scratching the surface," Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Pitts was drafted fourth overall by the Falcons in 2021 and lived up to the hype by recording 1,026 receiving yards as a rookie, becoming the first tight end to do so since Mike Ditka in 1961. The 6-foot-6 phenom registered three 100-plus yard games -- including a 163 yard performance in Week 7 -- and averaged 15.1 yards per catch. However, Pitts, who was projected to be a major red-zone threat, caught just one touchdown on 25 targets from inside 20 yards. If the Florida product is going to continue living up to the hype, he'll have to improve his red-efficiency in Year 2. Atlanta hopes that the addition of fellow first-round pick Drake London and former Raider Bryan Edwards will open up more 1-on-1 opportunities for Pitts to showcase his athletic ability near the end zone moving forward, though it remains to be seen how prolific a Marcus Mariota-led offense can be in 2022.

Pitts caught two of five targets for eight yards during Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Saints.

Pitts came into the contest listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury, but the rookie first-round pick was ultimately able to suit up. However, the tight end produced his worst performance of the season. He finished the 2021 campaign with 68 catches for 1,026 yards, but he only scored one touchdown. Pitts was as advertised during his first season in the NFL and was one of the lone bright spots on the Falcons' sporadic offense, but he will likely have to improve as a red zone threat in year 2 if he's going to takeover as a bona fide star.

Pitts (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Pitts was questionable for Sunday's contest and will take the field for Atlanta in the season finale. The 21-year-old has 17 receptions for 309 yards over his past four games, though he continues to search for his first touchdown since Week 5.

Pitts is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints, after Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Friday that he'd wait until Saturday to determine the tight end's availability, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Pitts thus enters the weekend uncertain for Atlanta's season finale, but with reason to believe another update will be available long before Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. If the standout rookie doesn't play, Hayden Hurt and Parker Hesse will see most of the targets at tight end, with wideouts Russell Gage, Tajae Sharpe and Olamide Zaccheaus also candidates for more target volume.

Coach Arthur Smith suggested Friday that the Falcons may wait until Saturday to decide if Pitts (hamstring) can play in Sunday's game against New Orleans, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

In other words, Pitts likely will be listed as questionable and may need to be treated as a game-time decision heading into the weekend, though it sounds like his status will be determined Saturday rather than Sunday morning/afternoon. The Falcons and Saints kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Pitts (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Scott Bair of the Falcons' official site reports.

Four days removed from not playing the second half of the Falcons' Week 17 loss at Buffalo, Pitts made his first appearance on the field since sustaining a hamstring injury. During a media session Thursday he relayed that he feels "good" and believes he'll be able to play Sunday against the Saints, per Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Ultimately, Friday's practice report will reveal Pitts' odds to suit up this weekend, when he'll need 59 yards to break Mike Ditka's rookie record of 1,076 receiving yards for a tight end.

Pitts (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

A hamstring issue limited Pitts to a season-low 52 percent share of offensive snaps this past Sunday at Buffalo, but a 61-yard catch helped him pass the 60-yard threshold for the ninth time in 16 games in his first pro campaign. As a result, he now holds the Falcons receiving record for a rookie with 1,018 yards, but it remains to be seen if he'll get to build on that total Week 18 against the Saints. At the very least, Pitts is back on the practice field Thursday after sitting out one day prior.

Pitts (hamstring) wasn't spotted during the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Pitts managed only about one half of action this past Sunday in Buffalo before sitting out the rest of the contest with a hamstring injury. He still managed two catches (on four targets) for 69 yards, courtesy of a 61-yard connection with Matt Ryan late in the second quarter. If Pitts doesn't do enough in practice this week to make an appearance Sunday versus the Saints, he'll finish the campaign with a Falcons rookie record 1,018 receiving yards across 16 appearances.

Pitts sustained a hamstring injury during Sunday's 29-15 loss at Buffalo, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Pitts sustained the injury midway through the contest but attempted to stay on the field at the start of the second half. He was unable to do so, but before departing the tight end's 69 yards helped him become the Falcon with the most receiving yards for a rookie in franchise history (he has 1,018 in 16 games). Afterward, coach Arthur Smith wouldn't comment on Pitts' health, merely telling Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site that the team realized he was unable to continue. Pitts' status thus bears watching as the week goes on to get a sense of his potential to play Week 18 against the Saints.

Pitts secured all six targets for 102 yards in the Falcons' 20-16 win over the Lions on Sunday.

Pitts comfortably paced the Falcons in receptions and receiving yards while also boasting the team lead in targets. The rookie tight end's 100-yard effort was his first since Week 7 versus Miami and third overall of his first NFL season, and it extended a streak of Pitts upping his yardage total over that of the prior contest to four games. The 21-year-old's catch total was also his highest since that aforementioned contest against the Dolphins, affording him plenty of momentum going into a Week 17 road matchup against the Bills.

Pitts caught four of seven targets for 77 yards in Sunday's 31-13 loss to the 49ers.

Pitts broke free for a 49-yard catch and run in the second half, but was held in check for the rest of the contest. Veteran wideout Russell Gage was featured as Atlanta's top receiving option, finishing ahead of the talented rookie in targets and yards for the fourth straight week. Pitts has had a solid first year in the NFL so far, tallying 48 receptions for 847 yards through 14 games, but a lack of touchdowns (one) has suppressed his fantasy potential. Pitts' fantasy managers are hoping that the Falcons can learn to use the 6-foot-6 tight end closer to the end zone, as he has seen just two red-zone targets (both in today's contest) over the last six weeks. The Falcons will take on the Lions in Week 16.

Pitts brought in five of six targets for 61 yards in the Falcons' 29-21 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Pitts shared the team lead in receptions with Mike Davis in another relatively quiet day for the Falcons' passing game. The rookie tight end's catch total was his best since Week 7, while his yardage tally was his highest since Week 9, making it a very solid fantasy day by his standards during the second half of the campaign. Pitts' next opportunity to up his numbers comes in a Week 15 road trip to San Francisco.

Pitts brought in four of seven targets for 48 yards in the Falcons' 30-17 loss to the Buccanneers on Sunday.

Pitts was a distant second to Russell Gage in receptions, receiving yards and targets in what was another modest performance overall. The athletic tight end hasn't topped 50 receiving yards since Week 10, a disappointment given the Falcons continue to operate without Calvin Ridley (personal) in the air attack. The rookie's next opportunity to snap out of his funk comes in Week 14 versus the Panthers on the road.

Pitts caught two of six targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 21-14 win over the Jaguars.

A trip close to his old stomping grounds at the University of Florida didn't help the rookie tight end break out of his slump, as Pitts was limited to fewer than 30 yards for the second consecutive game after topping that mark in eight of his first nine. While Cordarrelle Patterson and the running game led Atlanta to victory in this one, the Falcons' passing attack continues to struggle, and Pitts' pedestrian play of late hasn't helped. The rookie third-overall pick will look to get back on track in Week 13 against a Tampa Bay defense that gave up a respectable 73 yards to Pitts back in Week 2.

Pitts secured three of four targets for 29 yards in the Falcons' 25-0 loss to the Patriots on Thursday night.

Pitts checked in tied for second in both receptions and as the runner-up in receiving yards for the Falcons on the night, but neither tally was anything that would qualify as a useful figure from a fantasy perspective. The rookie tight end had even more attention heaped upon him than usual with both Calvin Ridley (personal) and Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) out, and it helped lead to his second-lowest yardage total of the season. Pitts has yet to top four catches in any of his last four games, although a potentially favorable matchup against the Jaguars on the road in Week 12 a week from Sunday could help break that unfavorable pattern.

Pitts caught four of seven targets for 60 yards in Sunday's 43-3 blowout loss to the Cowboys.

Pitts was the lone bright spot for the Falcons in a game where the offense could barely move the ball through the air (131 total passing yards and three interceptions). The fourth-overall pick from this year's draft has contributed 40 receptions, 606 yards and one touchdown through nine contests. Pitts' lack of touchdowns might be the only criticism that could be made of his fantasy game so far, especially given his large frame (6-foot-6, 245 pounds). He does have 17 red-zone looks so far this season, so the touchdowns should come so long as Matt Ryan continues to look his way in scoring situations. Pitts and the Falcons will take on a stout Patriots defense Thursday.

Pitts caught three of seven targets for 62 yards during Sunday's 27-25 win over the Saints.

Pitts was targeted deep down the left sideline on the first play of the game, but the rookie tight end couldn't haul in the big play. With Calvin Ridley still out due to personal reasons, the 2021 first-round pick continues to garner plenty of looks from Matt Ryan, but his last two outings have left fantasy managers wanting more after he appeared on the brink of stardom with back-to-back 100-yard performances. Pitts will likely continue to be a major part of the Falcons' passing attack and remains a must-start heading into Week 10.

Pitts caught two of his six targets for 13 yards during the Falcons' 19-13 loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

After back-to-back 100-yard performances, Pitts was humbled in this Week 8 defeat. Calvin Ridley was out for the second time in three games due to a personal issue, so Pitts operated as Atlanta's top receiving option and was doubled for the majority of the contest. Matt Ryan tried to force the ball to the 6-foot-6 tight end on multiple occasions, but the rookie first-round pick failed to make a highlight play. Pitts remain a must-start moving forward, but he'll need a bounce-back performance against the Saints next Sunday to give his fantasy managers confidence once again.

Pitts brought in seven of eight targets for 163 yards in the Falcons' 30-28 win over the Dolphins on Sunday.

Two weeks after lighting up the Jets for a 9-119-1 line in London, Pitts comfortably exceeded that yardage mark Sunday to quickly establish a new career high. The rookie dominated the Dolphins physically all afternoon long, with his big day a product of consistent chunk gains as opposed to being boosted by one splash play. Given his production in the last two contests and his clear grasp of head coach Arthur Smith's offense, Pitts is naturally a must-start option against the reeling Panthers in Week 8.

Pitts recorded nine receptions on 10 targets for 119 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's win over the Jets.

Pitts saw big volume for the second consecutive game, though this time he managed to also deliver plenty of production. He torched the Jets' secondary for big gains of 39, 22, 18 and 16 yards to account for the majority of his production. Pitts also managed the first touchdown of his career, which came from two yards away late in the opening quarter. It was by far Pitts' best performance of his rookie campaign and it came in the absence of Calvin Ridley (personal), but the duo should have plenty of pass volume to both produce moving forward. The Falcons head into a Week 6 bye but will return for a Week 7 matchup against the Dolphins.

Pitts caught four of nine targets for 50 yards in Sunday's 34-30 loss to Washington.

The nine targets were a season high for the rookie tight end but Pitts didn't do a whole lot with them, as his longest grab went for only 15 yards. He does have multiple catches in all four games to begin his NFL career, but Pitts will head into a Week 5 clash with the Jets still searching for his first big performance.

Pitts made just two catches on three targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 17-14 win over the Giants.

Pitts showed his big-play ability with a long reception of 25 yards, but the rookie tight end was otherwise not involved much in the passing game. In fact, backup tight end Lee Smith actually scored one of Atlanta's receiving touchdowns, hauling in a one-yarder in the fourth quarter. Through his first three games as a pro, Pitts is yet to find the end zone, but as seen in last week's five-catch, 73-yard performance, the Florida product's upside is something that should keep fantasy owners excited ahead of Week 4's matchup versus Washington.

Pitts secured five of six targets for 73 yards in the Falcons' 48-25 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.

The fourth overall pick slogged through his NFL debut against the Eagles a week ago, but Pitts looked much more the part Sunday in a tough defensive matchup. Pitts notched a team-high 24-yard reception on his way to pacing the Falcons in receiving yardage, and he also flashed improved efficiency after bringing in only half his eight targets in Week 1. Pitts will look to continue his ascent against a vulnerable Giants defense in a Week 3 road battle.

Pitts brought in four of eight targets for 31 yards in the Falcons' 32-6 loss to the Eagles on Sunday.

Pitts' highly anticipated regular-season debut was a disappointing microcosm of the Falcons' afternoon, even as the rookie tight end tied for second on the team in receptions and was also the runner-up in receiving yardage despite his modest total. Pitts' longest reception went for 18 yards, meaning he netted a measly 13 on his three other grabs. Pitts did draw even with Calvin Ridley for the team lead in targets, however, offering a glimmer of optimism for disheartened fantasy managers who invested heavy draft capital in him. Pitts will have the tough task of trying to better his production in a Week 2 road battle against the defending champion Buccaneers.

Pitts caught his lone target for 27 yards in Sunday's 19-10 preseason loss to the Browns.

Pitts was one of the few key position players the Falcons opted to finally play in the team's final preseason tilt. The fourth-overall pick from this year's draft put his tremendous athleticism on display when he took a short pass and barreled down the field through a couple defenders for 27 yards. Pitts is a rare and exciting talent who could be primed for a huge rookie campaign on team that just lost one of its top playmakers in Julio Jones this past offseason. The rookie will make his official debut in a Week 1 tilt against the Eagles.

Pitts is among Atlanta's key skill players who have yet to see preseason action, Jeff Schultz of The Athletic reports.

Schultz suggests that players such as Pitts, QB Matt Ryan, WR Calvin Ridley and RB Mike Davis could see work on a drive or two in the team's preseason finale against the Browns next weekend, but that's not a lock to occur. In any case, given that the Falcons took Pitts fourth overall in the 2021 NFL draft, it's clear that the team has big plans for the talented tight end in 2021. Though rookies at his position tend to be eased into fantasy relevance, Pitts has the skills, and likely the immediate playing time opportunity needed to be an exception to that trend.

Pitts dressed for the team's preseason opener against the Titans but did not play, Tori McElhaney of The Athletic reports.

Coach Arthur Smith said after the game, "Kyle is right on schedule, and if we felt like he was behind we probably would have put him out there." Though it's disappointing to miss the chance to see Pitts on the field, everything seems to be in order for him to be a big contributor to the Falcons' offense as soon as the regular season begins. After the team selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft, Pitts should have the chance to establish himself as the team's second-most targeted receiver behind only Calvin Ridley.

Pitts has signed a four-year deal with the Falcons worth $32.9 million, including $21.2 million guaranteed and a fifth-year team option, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Pitts, who the Falcons took fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, is poised to see a key role in the team's passing offense from the get-go this coming season. With Julio Jones no longer in the mix, the 6-foot-6, 246-pounder should be one of QB Matt Ryan's main targets along with Calvin Ridley, now Atlanta's clear-cut No. 1 wideout. It's a context that puts the rookie tight end firmly on the fantasy radar and makes him an upside play to target once the top-tier options at his position (Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Darren Waller) are off the board.

Pitts should work as Atlanta's No. 2 pass-catcher from the get-go now that the team has traded Julio Jones to the Titans, ESPN.com reports.

There was some concern about Pitts' target volume when he was selected fourth overall in the 2021 draft to join an offense that was expected to feature two of the league's top receivers in Jones and Calvin Ridley, but Jones' departure should help Pitts immediately carve out a role as the top complement to Ridley. The highly skilled tight end figures to be among the top receiving threats at his position right away. Pitts was often split out wide near the goal line to catch fade routes in the end zone at Florida, and such usage could now be an option as well with no established No. 2 wide receiver on Atlanta's roster.