Is Kyle Pitts playing today? Latest on Falcons TE for Week 1 clash vs Steelers

Kyle Pitts was just a limited participant in the Atlanta Falcons' practice on Wednesday due to a hamstring ailment. Concerns over the tight end's availability for Atlanta's Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday were immediately raised by that report.

Here, we'll examine the 23-year-old tight end's prospects of playing in the first game of the season.

Is Kyle Pitts playing today?

Tight end Kyle Pitts is fit enough to play for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday against the Steelers after struggling with a hamstring injury during training camp. Pitts practiced to full capacity on Friday for the second day in a row and is healthy enough to play against Pittsburgh on Sunday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

This report implies that the Falcons' offensive unit will be totally healthy for the season's opening contest. Wide receiver Drake London has also received the green light to play against the Steelers.

The Steelers are a team that has a strong defense, so the Falcons will need their offensive weapons to perform at their best today.

Kyle Pitts is expected to have a solid season in 2024. The tight end was named to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season after being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft. He had 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and one score that year. However, he suffered MCL and PCL injuries midway through the 2022 campaign, which contributed to his decline in output over the past two seasons.

Pitts will be looking to massively improve on his career total of 149 catches for 2,049 yards and six touchdowns across 44 career games this season. Pitts had to catch passes from Taylor Heinicke, Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder over the past two seasons, but this year, with Kirk Cousins as the Falcons' starting quarterback, the tight end is expected to do much better.

NFL Week 1: How to watch Steelers vs. Falcons today?

The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract this offseason after they had a dismal offensive season in 2023.

Cousins will get his first taste of playing a competitive game for Atlanta today when the Falcons host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1. The game is set to begin on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

Here are the details on how to watch the game:

Date and Time: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia

TV: FOX

Announcers: Joe Davis (play-by-play), Greg Olsen (color analysis), Pam Oliver (sideline reporter)

Live streaming: Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, YouTube TV, FOX NOW