With rookies set to return to camp and veterans shortly after, Falcons football is nearly back. Even better? We got some great injury news. Kyle Pitts announced on Monday via Instagram that he won’t be getting placed on the physically unable to perform list (PUP).
Big news for the #Falcons:
Pro Bowl TE Kyle Pitts announces he won’t be starting training camp on the PUP list pic.twitter.com/8NbeY8rEnV
— Rise Up Ridder (@RiseUpReader) July 16, 2023
This is an excellent development as training camp is set to kick off next week, which means Kyle Pitts won’t miss any time, able to build a rapport with new quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Despite Ridder starting four games last season, none were played with Pitts. The tight end suffered a season-ending torn MCL in the club’s Week 11 victory over the Bears. Most believed he would be healthy at the start of the year, but this confirmation is concrete.
Thankfully, because Pitts is looking to bounce back after a lackluster 2022 campaign. He burst onto the scene as a rookie, posting 1,000-plus yards en route to a Pro Bowl appearance along with a slew of franchise records. He even nearly captured the all-time rookie receiving record by a tight end held by Mike Ditka.
However, Pitts’ sophomore season was quite disappointing, tallying just 28 receptions for 356 yards and a pair of scores. Most of it wasn’t his fault, though. Arthur Smith regularly took the ball out of Marcus Mariota‘s hands, and even when the veteran did throw it Pitts’ way, it was off-target nearly 30% of the time.
Nobody could’ve thrived in that environment. We saw what Kyle Pitts was capable of with an aging Matt Ryan. All he needs is an even average passer, and watch him flourish.
—
Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.