Kyle

Pitts

The Falcons regularly limited Pitts’ practice reps as he works through a knee issue, though it has not impacted his availability on game day. The Falcons’ star tight end should be good to go as a high-end TE1 against the Saints this week. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention.

The entire pass game was a complete afterthought as the Falcons built a 21-0 lead in the first half, with Pitts targeted on three of only 20 Kirk Cousins pass attempts. It was an unfortunate ending to a magical fantasy playoffs run for the veteran tight end, duping fantasy managers when it mattered most. Pitts is set to finish his 2025 regular season against the surging Saints in Week 18.

He actually wasn’t listed on the injury report yesterday, but given how Pitts has been playing of late this is likely just managing through a minor concern. There’s no reason to doubt his status for Week 17 and he belongs on the TE1 line against the Rams.

Pitts came to life at the end of the Falcons’ fourth drive. With less than two minutes remaining in the half, Falcons QB Kirk Cousins got him going with a screen pass for a three-yard gain. He went right back to Pitts on the following play, producing a 12-yard reception that brought the offense to the Cardinals’ 11-yard line. Two plays later, Pitts motioned into the slot after lining up out wide and took off on a shallow crossing route, just inside the end zone. He scooted straight past the Cardinals’ distracted coverage defenders and easily secured the five-yard touchdown pass from Cousins on the right side of the end zone. Per Falcons reporter Tori McElhaney, Pitts’ 395 receiving yards over the last four games are the most receiving yards over a four-game span by a tight end in franchise history. He’ll remain on the TE1 line in Week 17 against the Rams.

Pitts was limited in Friday’s practice. It feels likely that he’s just being managed since the Falcons don’t have anything to play for at this point. With Drake London returning, Pitts profiles more as a low-end TE1 in Week 16 against the Cardinals.

Perhaps this is just a rest day. Pitts was limited by a knee injury in all three Week 15 practices before posting a week-winning Thursday Night Football performance. It is possible the same knee is just feeling sore after practicing fully yesterday. Tomorrow’s injury report and game status report should clarify things. Start him if he is active.

Pitts is in the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. Last night, he caught 11-of-12 targets for 166 yards and three touchdowns in the Falcons’ Thursday Night Football victory over the Buccaneers. Before the game, Falcons owner Arthur Blank reportedly visited the NFL Network’s pre-game broadcast set. Rapoport followed up the visit with a televised report saying Blank will “evaluate” all football operations after the season. Although head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot may end up being let go, Pitts may have played his way into a new contract, or at least a one-year deal on the lucrative franchise tag. Rapoport notes, though, that Pitts’ agent, David Mulugheta, “hates the franchise tag” and could play hardball in pursuit of a long-term deal. Stay tuned.

Three touchdowns from Kyle Pitts? In this economy? This was a remarkable effort from the tight end in what has been an impressive — if frustrating (until Thursday) because of the lack of scores — campaign. The Buccaneers simply had no answer for him, and the Falcons lack of other competent targets sans Bijan Robinson provided the volume. He’s now up to four scores on the season, and he’ll have a chance to add to that total with Kirk Cousins clearly feeling confident in feeding him as often as possible against the Cardinals in Week 16.

Falcons WR Darnell Mooney is, unfortunately, just a dart-throw FLEX option with London sidelined. Mooney has totaled 45-plus receiving yards just twice this season. Falcons TE Kyle Pitts will continue operating as the No. 1 pass catcher. He should be started as a high-end TE1.

Pitts was listed as limited in practice throughout the week before receiving the questionable designation. He appears to be trending toward playing, but fantasy managers will want to check in on Atlanta’s inactives before setting their lineups. With Drake London already ruled out, Pitts will project for TE1 numbers if he is good to go.