Falcons tight end hits snag ahead of pivotal 2025 season

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts' pivotal fifth NFL season is getting off to a rocky start.

On Monday, NFL.com shared that the No. 4 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft didn't participate in on-field drills during organized team activities the week of May 25 due to an undisclosed injury.

"[Falcons head coach Raheem] Morris added that the team is being 'extremely cautious' with Pitts but the [tight end] has been at the facility and present for every meeting," a report on NFL.com noted.

Pitts had 1,026 receiving yards in 2021, becoming just the second second tight end in NFL history with a 1,000-yard season as a rookie. He's underwhelmed in the seasons since, making 2025 a crucial year.

From 2022-24, Pitts has averaged 43 receptions, 542 yards and three touchdowns per season. Making matters worse, the players selected directly after him have had considerably more success, including wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith, cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain II and offensive lineman Penei Sewell.

Chase, Surtain and Sewell have combined for five first-team All-Pro appearances and 10 Pro Bowl selections, while Horn was a 2024 Pro Bowler and recently received a massive four-year, $100M extension.

Waddle and Smith have carved out vital roles as WR2s with the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively, each averaging over 1,000 yards per season during their first four years.

For a player who's already fallen behind, Pitts' injury could make it harder for him to realize his potential this fall. Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, is in his first offseason as the Falcons' starting quarterback. OTAs would have been a valuable time for Pitts and Penix to forge a connection, but those reps will have to wait until later this summer.

Few things have gone right for Pitts in Atlanta, and based on his injury, they might not improve.