Will Falcons Have TE Kyle Pitts for Season Opener?

During his recent press conference Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith updated the status of tight end Kyle Pitts.

What is the status of Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts with OTAs underway in Flowery Branch, Georgia?

"We fully anticipate everybody being ready to go Sept. 10," Falcons head coach Arthur Smith recently said. "And so we'll be smart." 

That included Pitts, who has been sidelined since the Week 11 win over the Chicago Bears with a torn MCL.

This update from Smith is an encouraging sign that the former first-round draft pick will be ready for their home opener versus the Carolina Panthers. Pitts has not been seen in the facility during the Falcons OTAs, but when he does return, it will be a welcomed sight for the Atlanta offense.

Pitts' second season in the league did not have as many thoughts. The MCL injury was the last he suffered before being sidelined for the rest of the season. Until the Bears game, Pitts had played through injuries which likely contributed to his down year statistically. 

The former Florida Gator totaled just 356 yards and two touchdowns on 28 receptions through 10 games. 

"We're trying to be smart. We know we're planning to play 20, 21 games," Smith added. "So when you do that, you need to be ready to go, peaking, ready to roll Sept. 10 and play our best football at the end of the year. So that goes into mind."

Playing their best football hasn't been something Smith can say he's seen for a full season since taking the job. Once Smith arrived in the building, it seemed like the rebuild was on as general manager Terry Fontenot offloaded the Falcons' star players on big contracts while focusing on building through the NFL Draft.

Thanks to the Falcons' patience in enduring two 7-10 seasons while sitting on their hands for much of the offseason as they waited for their moves to pay off salary cap-wise. Atlanta spent big this offseason filling the remaining holes on their roster, hoping to make a playoff run in 2023. 

A healthy Pitts could go a long way in helping the Falcons achieve their goals of ending their playoff drought, which has lasted since the 2017 season. Pitts, if healthy, could provide Atlanta with the No. 2 option it needs in the passing game alongside top wide receiver Drake London. 

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