Explanation for TE Kyle Pitts' absence from Atlanta Falcons OTAs practice is cause for more concern than the one that everyone expected

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kyle Crabbs | Last updated May 28, 2025 3:59 PM ET

If tight end Kyle Pitts is ever going to regain his rookie form with the Atlanta Falcons,, the time is now. It’s now or never for the former fourth-overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, who is set to play the 2025 season on his fifth-year option with the Falcons. The bad news is that things are not off to a very smooth start.

Pitts was not seen when Atlanta took the field for their first Organized Team Activities (OTA) session this week, kicking up a storm of speculation over whether or not he was seeking a new contract with the Falcons ahead of his fifth and final year of his rookie deal. As it turns out, the truth to Pitts’ current absence is even more unsettling than a player displeased with his contract. According to NFL insider James Palmer, Pitts is banged up.

There was some curiosity regarding #falcons TE Kyle Pitts, who's in the final year of his contract, and his absence during the first OTA. My understanding is Pitts is dealing with a bit of a foot issue and was in the building, just not on the field. This isn't contract related.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) May 28, 2025

The severity of Pitts’ foot issue is still to be determined, but lower body injuries are always the kind that deserve ample rest and recovery — the threat of one lingering or being reaggravated is no joke. For Pitts, who is looking to connect with young quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in this critical window of work, it’s a bummer. It doesn’t have to be a devastating development but it will certainly be a storyline to watch.

Pitts has not missed a game in either of the last two seasons, he’s played at least 700 snaps in each season but failed to sniff the whopping numbers he put up as a rookie tight end for the Falcons back in 2021. With a pair of other marquee offensive weapons available for the Falcons via Bijan Robinsion and Drake London, target share could be hard to come by yet again.

That means, when he’s able, Pitts will need to put his best foot forward to collect targets this season in order to earn a big payday — either from the Falcons or someone else. But first, he’ll need his foot healed before he can put it forward.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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