The Atlanta Falcons’ offense has taken a serious hit this season with injuries piling up at key positions. Drake London, the Falcons’ leading receiver, has been sidelined since Week 11 with a knee injury. So, the team relied more heavily on tight end Kyle Pitts. Now, coming into their Week 15 clash on Thursday against the Buccaneers, a new question looms: Will Pitts be able to play?

Pitts has been a beacon of consistency for the Falcons this year, but this week, he’s far from a sure thing. The tight end is battling a knee injury and is still listed as questionable for Thursday’s clash. He participated in practice only as a limited participant, which makes his status uncertain. Still, the Falcons hope their Pro Bowl talent can take the field as he hasn’t missed a single game this season.

Should Pitts be sidelined, the Falcons would have to turn to backup tight end Charlie Woerner to fill the gap. Woerner, a former 49ers player, hasn’t displayed standout numbers since joining Atlanta. He has started 15 games but has compiled a modest 13 receptions and 79 yards in two years with Atlanta, but has never reached the end zone.

When it comes to Pitts’ production this season, he remains one of Atlanta’s most reliable targets. Pitts has snagged 62 passes for 631 yards and one touchdown this season. If Pitts cannot go on Thursday, the offense will be left with fewer dependable receiving options.

Besides Woerner, wide receivers Bijan Robinson and Darnell Mooney are the next best options. Still, Pitts’ availability is critical not just for the Falcons’ offense but also for fantasy managers counting on him this week. 

Kyle Pitts’ fantasy outlook and what to expect in Week 15

From a fantasy football perspective, Pitts is considered the No. 1 receiver for Kirk Cousins. This tight end has become a go-to target, making Pitts a vital fantasy asset. The QB has thrown to him 18 times over the past two weeks. So, for those depending on Pitts in fantasy leagues, projections provide a useful guideline.

“Pitts is projected to score 11.9 fantasy points in PPR formats. We project Pitts to have five receptions for 60 yards and 0.2 touchdowns,” as per Pro Football Network.

These numbers indicate that if Pitts suits up, he should provide solid fantasy returns. He at least maintains his role as a reliable, if not explosive, piece within the Falcons’ offense. This is a tough divisional matchup for the 4-9 Falcons against the 7-6 Tampa Bay team, sitting 1st in the NFC South.

Top Stories

Chiefs Coach Drops Major Hint About Travis Kelce’s Future Before Sending Strong Message to Locker Room

Josh Allen Officially at Risk of Losing 21 Players as Bills Coach Quits Hours After Joe Brady Announcement

Travis Kelce Confirms Sporting Decision Away From Chiefs After TE’s Major Career News

Sources: Mike Evans Could be Done With Buccaneers, Cowboys to Franchise Tag George Pickens, Alec Pierce Expected to Test Free Agency

Pro Football Hall of Fame Threatens Strong Action After Bill Polian Controversy as Bill Belichick Snubbed

The Falcons haven’t reached the playoffs since 2018. Under head coach Raheem Morris, they finished second in the division last season but have slipped to third this year. With just four games remaining, this season is effectively lost for Atlanta.