NFL
Kyle Pitts' new injury jeopardizes Falcons TE’s participation against Saints
Week 10 is almost upon us and Atlanta have a decision to make on a tight end among other player doubts.
Atlanta Falcons fans, and some fantasy football managers, await further news on Kyle Pitts, who faces a race against time to suit up for Sunday’s critical divisional clash against the New Orleans Saints. The tight end has been dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him limited during back-to-back practices, casting doubt on his availability for Week 10. With the stakes high in the NFC South, Pitts‘ absence could hit the Falcons’ offensive strategy hard.
Despite his ups and downs this season, Pitts remains a key target in Atlanta’s passing game. His impact, even when he’s not stuffing the stat sheet, draws defensive attention and opens up space for other players. But after being tagged as limited in both Wednesday and Thursday practices, Pitts now has just one more shot on Friday to prove he’s ready to go. If he doesn’t, he’ll likely be listed as questionable – or even ruled out – before the weekend.
Right now, the odds on him playing are murky. The Falcons have been careful with Pitts’ health this season, possibly to avoid any long-term setbacks.
Who else is on the Falcons' injury report?
Adding to the Falcons’ injury headache is wide receiver Drake London, who’s dealing with a hip pointer. Like Pitts, he was also limited in practice this week, leaving the team’s top two pass-catchers in doubt. London’s injury has been described as day-to-day, but after sitting out most of last week’s game against Dallas, his status against the Saints remains shaky at best. Together, Pitts and London’s availability could either boost or significantly hamper Atlanta’s offensive rhythm.
Defensive lineman Grady Jarrett, dealing with an Achilles issue, has also been limited in practice, along with guard Chris Lindstrom, who’s nursing a knee injury.
Meanwhile, linebacker JD Bertrand missed practice again due to a concussion, while Matthew Judon (who had an illness earlier in the week) returned to full participation on Thursday, offering a glimmer of stability amid an otherwise bleak injury report.
With Friday’s practice being the final chance for Pitts and others to demonstrate game readiness, fans will be on edge until official statuses are confirmed. Stay tuned.