Arthur Smith says Kyle Pitts is nearly back to full health
Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts had his 2022 season cut short due to a torn MCL he suffered in Week 11. After a long recovery, Pitts returned in time for Atlanta’s Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers.
The former No. 4 overall pick has played in all four games this season, but his production — 11 catches for 121 receiving yards — suggests something still isn’t quite right.
During head coach Arthur Smith’s Monday press conference, he said Pitts was “getting close” to being 100 percent in his recovery, per ESPN’s Michael Rothstein.
Falcons HC Arthur Smith said Kyle Pitts is getting closer and there were points Sunday he looked like he did in 2021.
But he didn't want to put a percentage on where Pitts' health is. "It's getting close," Smith said.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) October 2, 2023
Even if Pitts’ injury is still hindering his play on the field, the tight end hasn’t come close to matching the success he had during his rookie season when Matt Ryan was still the quarterback.
Fans blamed Marcus Mariota for Pitts’ dropoff in production last year, and now Desmond Ridder is getting the blame in 2023. What’s really irking fans is the fact that Jonnu Smith continues to be a factor while Pitts seems like an afterthought most weeks.
Smith led the team with six catches for 95 yards during Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars. Comparatively, Pitts finished with two catches for 21 receiving yards in Week 4.
The Falcons offense will look to bounce back at home against the Houston Texans in Week 5.
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