Pitts Leads Falcons Amid Multiple Injuries

In Atlanta’s 34-10 loss to Miami, tight end Kyle Pitts caught all nine of his targets for 59 yards and led the Falcons in receptions, receiving yards and targets. Pitts’ role has shifted to a short-area safety valve — 38 of his 49 targets have come from under 10 air yards, producing an 83% catch rate and strong yards-after-catch. Coaches praise his route execution and blocking, and he is on pace for roughly 39 receptions, 344 yards and a touchdown this season. Pitts was limited in Wednesday practice with an ankle issue, and the Falcons also listed WRs Drake London (hip), Darnell Mooney (hamstring) and QB Michael Penix (knee) as limited. Fellow tight end Charlie Woerner remained largely a nonfactor (15 snaps on Sunday, no targets; 52 routes and two targets on the season). Separately, Commanders pass-catcher Jeremy McNichols led Washington with five receptions for 64 yards in a 28-7 loss to Kansas City.