Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has been a hot topic of discussion around the NFL as of late. After being the subject of trade rumors, the former No. 4 overall pick made headlines again when he wasn’t seen at organized team activities.
On Monday, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris clarified that Pitts was being held out of practice due to an undisclosed injury. This left many wondering what the injury was and how severe. Thanks to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, we finally have an answer.
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“While there has been speculation about his future in Atlanta, Falcons TE Kyle Pitts hasn’t been practicing at OTAs due to a strained muscle in his foot, per source,” Schefter posted on social media.
Pitts, 24, has been working out with Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. over the summer. The former Gators star is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has much to prove before he hits free agency next offseason.
As for the trade rumors, they’re par for the course. Pitts is immensely talented, but he’s struggled to be a factor since that incredible rookie campaign in 2021.
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Last season, the tight end recorded 47 catches for 602 receiving yards and four touchdowns. While these numbers are about average for a starting NFL tight end, they aren’t reflective of a top-five pick.
Pitts is owed $10.8 million this season, and while the Falcons could use the cap space, they reportedly won’t consider a trade unless they receive at least a Day 2 draft pick.
The best thing for the Falcons would be to let a motivated Pitts prove himself in a contract year. If he has a big season with Penix at quarterback, perhaps the team would consider re-signing him.
Either way, Pitts needs to produce this season to cash in in 2026. It might as well be in Atlanta.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons TE Kyle Pitts dealing with foot injury, per Adam Schefter