Kyle Pitts is looking to build off a historic rookie campaign after a disappointing 2022 season that was marred by inconsistent quarterback play and was eventually ended by a knee injury.
The highest-drafted tight end ever became the second rookie to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards, coming just short of Mike Ditka‘s all-time record with a shell of Matt Ryan throwing him balls. He set franchise marks in a number of metrics, but 2022 wasn’t as great.
Pitts tallied just 28 receptions for 356 yards and a pair of scores. Some was his own fault, but most of it wasn’t. 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.
2023 is a fresh start for all parties. The Falcons are moving forward with Desmond Ridder as signal caller, and Pitts is fully healthy, posting a story on Instagram announcing he wouldn’t begin the year on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Now, we know he’s all of the way back. In another video posted to his Instagram via Fox 5’s Miles Garrett, Kyle Pitts doesn’t look bothered by his surgically repaired MCL at all; in fact, he looks stronger than before.
Looking like #Falcons TE @kylepitts__ is well on track for a full return this season.
Workout video per his Instagram: pic.twitter.com/0v27Le3QIp
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) July 19, 2023
After taking him 4th overall a couple of years ago, the Falcons need Pitts to be the star they hoped he’d become. His rookie season was just a sliver of what he’s capable of, which is becoming the best tight end in football.
When guys like Tony Gonzalez, Travis Kelce, Bill Belichick, and Greg Olson sing your praises, the hype is serious. Now, it’s up to Kyle Pitts to put it all together in 2023.
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David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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