Injury Still Holding Back Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts? Arthur Smith Reveals

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts' production continues to be a hot topic around the fanbase, leading many to wonder if he is fully recovered from his knee injury.

Since being taken No. 4 overall in the NFL Draft, Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts hasn't quite lived up to expectations. After recording over 1,000 yards as a rookie, the former Florida Gator has seen a drastic dip in production since. 

Prior to his season-ending knee injury last year, Pitts totaled just 356 yards and two touchdowns on 28 receptions. Additionally, his numbers four games into this season haven't lived up to preseason expectations either. So what's the problem?

During Sunday's game between the Falcons and the Jacksonville Jaguars, the broadcast mentioned that the 22-year-old still hasn't fully recovered from the torn MCL that he suffered last season. This revelation was followed up with confirmation from Falcons coach Arthur Smith.

“Well, obviously he’s out there," Smith said. "Again, there’s no perfect timetables, but there are certain things that you see him doing really well right now. There are certain things that have been a journey back that he’s going to get there. I’d hate to put percentages on it, but you have to acknowledge that – I thought yesterday, there were some things outside where he looked as fast as he did as a rookie. So, it’s getting close."

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) tackles Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023

While Pitts may still be trying to get back up to speed, he isn't the only former first-round pick that has struggled to produce. Receiver Drake London has also been a victim of a below-average passing game, as he's recorded just 11 receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns.

However, the revelation from Smith about the health of Pitts may help explain why the former first-round pick has looked to be more of an afterthought offensively for the Falcons.

“Again, you try to put everybody in the best situations," Smith said. "Every week there’s something different. ... We need to get into a groove because when you get into longer drives, that’s when the ball usually spreads around, and we can hit our potential, but if you continue to limit yourselves on possessions or amount of plays, it’s going to be hard to get into a great rhythm.”

After recording just two catches for 21 yards versus the Jaguars, Smith and co. will go back to the drawing board to figure out how they can best incorporate a potentially less than 100 percent Pitts.