The Falcons were dealt a terrible reality on Monday as the team announced two starters are heading for the Injured Reserve — Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Pitts and Ta’Quon Graham.
We have made the following moves:
– TE Kyle Pitts to IR
– DL Ta'Quon Graham to IR
– DL Jaleel Johnson claimed off waivers
– TE John Raine signed to PS
– OL Justin Shaffer to PS IR— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 21, 2022
Pitts has reportedly suffered a torn MCL and will be sidelined for at least four weeks, but I’d argue there’s no point in rushing him back at the end of the season. His future value is far too great to risk a re-injury. The priority should be to get Pitts back to where he was this season regardless of how long it takes, including sitting him for the rest of the season.
The Falcons could squeak into the Wild Card, but at what cost? Pushing a superstar like Kyle Pitts to the edge isn’t wise when everyone knows there’s no chance the Falcons will make noise in the postseason. Atlanta would be wise to just shut him down for the rest of the season. But in that same breath, the team will find it tough to get to the playoffs without Pitts and Graham.
Graham might not be the high-profile player Pitts is, but the former fifth-round pick has broken out in his second season with the Falcons. He’s become reliable against the run and has flashed as a pass rusher at times. Moreover, his breakout has enabled Grady Jarrett into more favorable situations, resulting in a Pro Bowl-caliber campaign for the veteran defender.
Both losses could prove detrimental to the Falcons season. There just isn’t enough depth on the roster to sustain a blow as big as Pitts and Graham.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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