The Atlanta Falcons will face off against the Arizona Cardinals in their Week 16 showdown on Sunday, with questions looming over their offensive lineup. The availability of star wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. remains a key storyline for Atlanta as they prepare for the weekend. Both players have been dealing with lingering lower-body injuries that could impact their status for the upcoming contest.
Falcons Players’ Status Ahead of Week 16 Showdown
According to Tori McElhaney of the official team site, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. was listed on the injury report with a knee injury and participated in a limited capacity in their practice on Thursday, which was held in the indoor facility.
Pitts Sr. has done well this season, catching 73 passes for 797 yards and four touchdowns. More recently, Pitts had 11 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15, on Thursday Night Football. Atlanta won the game 29-28Â in a comeback victory, and Pitts was a significant part of that.
As far as the knee injury goes, Pitts has a history of knee injuries, including a torn MCL and a PCL injury in his right knee in 2022, which ended his season. Pitts hasn’t missed a game this season, but has been on the injury report several times. With Pitts on the field, the offense gains another element because he can catch the ball at any point on the field and make big plays.
PFSN has Kyle Pitts Sr. at an 84.1 Tight End Impact Score.
It was reported by Terrin Waack of the official team site that London wants to play in the remainder of the games this season, saying, “I’ve been scratching and clawing to play every game this season. A lot of people don’t know that, but the season hasn’t been too well on my body. So, could be a blessing in disguise that this happened. I don’t know, but just trying to fight back and get out there on the field.”
It was also reported that three defensive linemen, including Brandon Dorlus, LaCale London, and Ruke Orhorhoro, were added to the injury report. Dorlus did not participate in Thursday’s practice.
Falcons Practice Recap: Who’s Full, Limited, and Out
Thursday, Dec. 18
Full participation
- RB Bijan Robinson (illness)
- CB Dee Alford (illness)
- EDGE Leonard Floyd (illness)
Limited participation
- S Jessie Bates III (not injury related – resting)
- WR Drake London (knee)
- TE Kyle Pitts (knee)
- DL LaCale London (shoulder)
- DL Ruke Orhorhoro (groin)
Did not participate
- WR KhaDarel Hodge (shoulder)
- CB Mike Hughes (ankle)
- DL Brandon Dorlus (illness/shoulder)
