3 Biggest injury concerns for the Atlanta Falcons this season

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Jun 9, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) reacts on the field during OTA at Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Kyle Pitts

With Hayden Hurst leaving Atlanta in free agency this off-season the Falcons lack a clear option if Pitts suffers an injury this season. The depth chart behind Pitts as it currently stands features Anthony Firkser, Parker Hesse, and rookie blocking tight-end John FitzPatrick. Hesse has only 43-receiving yards in his career and Firkser has never surpassed 400-receiving yards.

Last season Firkser managed only 291-receiving yards and rarely made an impact catch. While the Falcons may not be set up to win many games this season the team has an offense that should be entertaining as long as Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson are healthy.

At his best Hayden Hurst was capable of being the first option at the tight-end position evidenced by his 2020 season with the Atlanta Falcons. Firkser doesn’t have the same capabilities as Hurst and won’t be a number one option at the position if Pitts suffers an injury.

There is an argument to be made that Pitts is the most important player in the Atlanta offensive scheme considering his elite abilities and the attention he will demand. Pitts is in line for a huge second season one the Falcons need him to stay healthy considering their lack of depth at the position.

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