Per his Instagram, Kyle Pitts underwent surgery on his right leg, which he injured two weeks ago against the Bears on a nasty hit from Eddie Jackson.
Looks like @kylepitts__ underwent successful surgery on a torn MCL.
Prayers for a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/0CSttCTv8V
— Brett Greenberg (@74Talk) November 30, 2022
The initial diagnosis was a sprained MCL, and the Falcons were holding out hope that he could return this season. But after undergoing surgery, you have to think that’s the end of his second year in the NFL. Despite a down season, Pitts remains one of the most talented and valuable players on the team. With the Falcons going nowhere this year, it would be foolish to rush him back for some meaningless games at the end of the season.
Following a Pro Bowl campaign as a rookie, in which he set a number of franchise records and finished just shy of Mike Ditka’s record for the most receiving yards by a tight end in their first year, Pitts’ second season has been nothing short of a disaster. In 10 games, he had just 28 catches for 356 yards with two touchdowns, and now his season is likely over.
Despite the underwhelming stat line, it’s to no fault of Pitts. He remains arguably the most physically gifted tight end in the league, but the drop-off from Matt Ryan to Marcus Mariota was significant. Arthur Smith has consistently taken the ball out of Mariota’s hands for the entirety of games, relying on the rushing attack, which has caused Pitts’ production to plummet. When Atlanta figures out the quarterback situation, he will once again be viewed as one of the best tight ends on the planet.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon SportswireÂ
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