In his rookie season, Kyle Pitts emerged as a standout tight end for the Falcons, setting records with 1,026 yards and a Pro Bowl appearance. Unfortunately, in the following year, subpar quarterback performance and an injury limited him to 28 catches and 356 yards. Although an offseason surgery raised hopes for a strong comeback in 2023, Pitts faced ongoing challenges.
Despite recording 53 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns, Pitts fell short of replicating his remarkable rookie campaign. However, he views the season as a success due to his ability to remain healthy and play the entire 18-game schedule, marking a full year post-injury.
Pitts disclosed that he was recovering not only from the known MCL injury but also from an injured PCL throughout the season. Coach Arthur Smith carefully framed Pitts’ recovery as a lengthy process without explicitly revealing the extent of the more serious injury.
From a coach’s perspective, Justin Peelle believes Pitts is now a better football player than in his rookie year, attributing it to experience and professional growth. As the Falcons face a decision on Pitts’ fifth-year option, Peelle and others consider it a clear choice, given Pitts’ resilience and potential for the 2025 season.
