The Falcons are heading into a pivotal Week 16 matchup with more questions than they’d like-especially when it comes to the health of one of their most explosive weapons. Tight end Kyle Pitts, fresh off the best performance of his NFL career, popped up on Thursday’s injury report with a knee issue and was listed as a limited participant. That’s not the kind of midweek development Atlanta was hoping for, especially with the playoff picture still in play.
Let’s be clear: Pitts has been a key part of the Falcons’ offensive resurgence lately. In Week 15, he erupted for 11 catches on 12 targets, racking up 166 yards and three touchdowns in a thrilling 29-28 win over the Buccaneers.
It was the kind of dominant outing Atlanta envisioned when they drafted him fourth overall-physical, dynamic, and nearly impossible to cover. So when a knee issue surfaces just days later, it raises eyebrows and forces the Falcons’ coaching staff to start considering contingency plans.
Pitts hasn’t missed a game all season, and the hope is that Thursday’s limited status was more precautionary than problematic. But with wide receiver Drake London still working his way back from a knee injury of his own, the Falcons can’t afford to lose another top target.
Speaking of London, there’s a bit of good news on that front. He’s officially listed as questionable, but head coach Raheem Morris told reporters he expects the star wideout to suit up against Arizona.
London hasn’t played since Week 11, but before the injury, he was on pace for a breakout campaign-60 catches, 810 yards, and six touchdowns in just nine games. His return would be a major boost for an offense that’s had to get creative with its playmakers.
The Falcons weren’t just dealing with issues on offense, either. Thursday’s injury report was crowded across the board.
Defensive linemen Ruke Orhorhoro (groin), LaCale London (shoulder), and Brandon Dorlus (illness/shoulder) were all limited. Cornerback Mike Hughes (ankle) and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (shoulder) didn’t practice at all.
Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson, Dee Alford, and Leonard Floyd were all full participants despite dealing with illnesses, and veteran safety Jessie Bates III was limited for rest.
In response to the shifting availability on defense, Atlanta made a notable roster move, signing cornerback C.J. Henderson to the active roster.
Henderson, a former first-round pick, brings pedigree and experience to a secondary that’s been tested by injuries and inconsistency. The timing of the move suggests the Falcons are bracing for more adjustments on the back end as they prepare for Arizona’s passing attack.
All of this makes Friday’s injury report a critical checkpoint. If Pitts can ramp up his participation, and if London is indeed trending toward playing, the Falcons’ offense could be close to full strength at just the right time. But if either player is limited-or worse, unavailable-it could force Atlanta to recalibrate its approach against a Cardinals team that’s more dangerous than its record suggests.
Right now, the Falcons are walking a fine line. They need to protect their stars, patch up holes where they can, and keep their foot on the gas as the postseason creeps closer. Sunday’s game won’t just be about matchups-it’ll be about who’s available, and how ready they are to deliver.