Atlanta Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts’ pivotal fifth NFL season is getting off to a rocky begin.
On Monday, NFL.com shared that the No. 4 general decide of the 2021 NFL Draft did not take part in on-field drills throughout organized group actions the week of Could 25 on account of an undisclosed damage.
“[Falcons head coach Raheem] Morris added that the group is being ‘extraordinarily cautious’ with Pitts however the [tight end] has been on the facility and current for each assembly,” a report on NFL.com famous.
Pitts had 1,026 receiving yards in 2021, turning into simply the second second tight finish in NFL historical past with a 1,000-yard season as a rookie. He is underwhelmed within the seasons since, making 2025 a vital yr.
From 2022-24, Pitts has averaged 43 receptions, 542 yards and three touchdowns per season. Making issues worse, the gamers chosen straight after him have had significantly extra success, together with vast receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith, cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain II and offensive lineman Penei Sewell.
Chase, Surtain and Sewell have mixed for 5 first-team All-Professional appearances and 10 Professional Bowl alternatives, whereas Horn was a 2024 Professional Bowler and just lately acquired a large four-year, $100M extension.
Waddle and Smith have carved out very important roles as WR2s with the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively, every averaging over 1,000 yards per season throughout their first 4 years.
For a participant who’s already fallen behind, Pitts’ damage may make it more durable for him to understand his potential this fall. Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 general decide of the 2024 NFL Draft, is in his first offseason because the Falcons’ beginning quarterback. OTAs would have been a worthwhile time for Pitts and Penix to forge a connection, however these reps should wait till later this summer season.
Few issues have gone proper for Pitts in Atlanta, and primarily based on his damage, they won’t enhance.
