Kyle Pitts is heating up at just the right time-and the Falcons are hoping his knee holds up long enough to ride that wave into Week 16.
The 25-year-old tight end was listed as a limited participant in Thursday’s practice with a knee issue, a familiar concern that’s lingered over the past couple seasons. But here’s the important part: despite dealing with some limitations in practice, Pitts hasn’t missed a game all year. And right now, he’s playing the best football of his career.
Coming off a monster Week 15 performance-11 catches, 166 yards, and three touchdowns in a thrilling 29-28 win over the Buccaneers-Pitts earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. That stat line wasn’t just good, it was historic.
He became just the fourth tight end in NFL history to post at least 10 receptions, 150 yards, and three scores in a single game. The last to do it?
Shannon Sharpe. And that was way back in 1996.
This wasn’t just a flash-in-the-pan performance either. Pitts has been the focal point of Atlanta’s passing game, especially with top wideout Drake London sidelined the last four weeks due to a PCL injury. Over the past three games, Pitts has hauled in 24 catches for 338 yards and three touchdowns-setting a new franchise record for receiving yards by a Falcons tight end over a three-game stretch.
On the season, Pitts has racked up 73 receptions on 97 targets, totaling 797 yards and four touchdowns. That’s good for an average of nearly 57 yards per game. What’s more, he’s logged a career-high 229 snaps as an in-line tight end this year-proof that he’s not just a matchup nightmare in the slot or out wide, but a true every-down weapon who can line up anywhere and still make defenses pay.
As for the rest of Atlanta’s injury report heading into Sunday’s matchup against the 3-11 Arizona Cardinals, there are a few names to keep an eye on. 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. On the positive side, running back Bijan Robinson, cornerback Dee Alford, and edge rusher Leonard Floyd-all dealing with illness-were full participants.
Safety Jessie Bates III was limited, but only for rest.
Friday’s final injury report will give us a clearer picture of Pitts’ status, but if he’s on the field Sunday, he’ll be the player to watch. With London still working his way back and the Falcons clinging to slim playoff hopes, Pitts’ ability to dominate over the middle could be the difference between a late-season surge and another missed opportunity.
If his knee holds up, the Cardinals better come prepared-because Kyle Pitts looks every bit like the game-changer Atlanta envisioned when they took him fourth overall in 2021.