The Atlanta Falcons are taking a cautious approach with their standout tight end Kyle Pitts as he recovers from knee surgery he had in November. However, there is optimism among the coaching staff that Pitts will play in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers.
Speaking with reporters earlier this week, the Falcons’ head coach Arthur Smith said that he expects all of his players to be ready for the season opener, including Pitts.
“We fully anticipate everybody being ready to go Sept. 10,” Smith said when asked about Pitts’ availability. “And so we’ll be smart.”
Smith didn’t say when he expects Pitts to take part in football activities again. He hasn’t been present at Atlanta’s voluntary OTA practices so far.
Kyle Pitts had a memorable rookie season, catching 69 passes for 1,026 yards and a touchdown. He became only the second rookie tight end in NFL history to have 1,000+ yards in his rookie season, earning a Pro Bowl nod in the process.
Pitts’ sophomore campaign was a lot less successful as he dealt with a hamstring injury before tearing an MLC in his right knee in Week 11 and being ruled out for the remainder of 2023. The Florida product finished the season with 28 catches for 356 yards and two TDs.
