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Injury Update: Atlanta Falcons Struck With Massive Blow That Could Doom Their Entire Season

Published 11/22/2022, 9:30 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The NFC South May not be the highest scoring division in the league, but it could be one of the most closely contested ones. The Atlanta Falcons are second in their division, but a lot could change after the Week 12 matchups. However, Atlanta could lose their edge against its divisional rivals because of injuries to some key players.

Marcus Mariota and the Atlanta Falcons beat the Chicago Bears in their Week 11 matchup at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons inched closer to Tom Brady’s Buccaneers who top the NFC South Division at the moment. However, the win came at a price. The price of injuries.

Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts was placed on the injured reserve after the 27-24 win over Justin Fields and the Bears. The 2nd year tight end from the University of Florida is out for a minimum of four games and will probably undergo surgery after suffering a potential tear of his MCL. Pitts had the highest receiving yards out of all the wide receivers in the Falcons. And his absence will be difficult to deal with for head coach Arthur Smith.

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I know the numbers aren’t as gaudy as they were as a rookie, and he’s been playing through a lot. He’s a tough guy, and he’s had a huge impact.” Smith said about his 22-year-old TE.

After a monster Rookie season, Kyle Pitts’ absence will hinder the Atlanta Falcons table run

Tight end Kyle Pitts has been at the end of considerable criticism from Atlanta Falcons fans this season. Pitts hasn’t managed to replicate his rookie season numbers this year. Kyle Pitts became the second tight end in NFL history to have a 1000-yard season in his rookie year. Compared to that, 2022 has been slightly less glamorous.

USA Today via Reuters

Pitts has only 356 yards this season on 28 carry attempts along with only 2 touchdowns. The former Florida Gator has been struggling this season not just with his form, but also with injuries. The Falcons TE missed the Week 5 matchup against Tampa Bay Buccaneers because of a hamstring injury. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers won the game at 21-15.

The no.4 draft in the 2021 NFL draft, Kyle Pitts, suffered the MCL injury in the 3rd quarter of the Falcons-Bears matchup. The tight end collided with Chicago Bears safety Eddie Williams after a catch-and-run play from Atlanta QB Marcus Mariota.

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With Kyle Pitts out for their next game against the 6-5 Washington Commanders, the Falcons and Arthur Smith have to depend on a combination of the available tight ends, Parker Hesse, MyCole Pruitt, and Felipe Franks to aid Mariota on the offense. The Commanders are coming off of back-to-back wins and the Atlanta Falcons surely have a tough task to accomplish next Sunday.

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Written by:

Soumyapriyo Ganguly

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Rivu Ganguly is an NFL writer at Essentially Sports. He holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the Indian School of Business and Finance. Rivu is a sports nerd with his favourites being Soccer, American Football, Basketball, UFC and Formula 1.
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Edited by:

Gurjyot Singh Dadial