Falcons OC Makes Kyle Pitts Admission Ahead of Week 3

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Tommy Rees knows Kyle Pitts needs to be more involved after the tight end’s quiet start to the 2026 season.

Rees acknowledged that getting Pitts going is important for Atlanta’s offense ahead of Thursday night’s matchup with the Green Bay Packers. The Falcons enter Week 3 looking for answers after scoring just 16 points across their first two games.

Pitts has been held to one reception for 15 yards through the first two games. He was not targeted successfully in Atlanta’s Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers before catching one pass against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2.

The slow start is a notable change from Pitts’ 2025 campaign. He caught 88 passes for 928 yards last season, finishing second among tight ends in receiving yards and earning second-team All-Pro honors. He also led all tight ends in receiving yards over the final six weeks of the season.

Atlanta invested heavily in Pitts during the offseason, reinforcing its belief that he can remain a major part of the offense under head coach Kevin Stefanski and Rees.

Now the Falcons have another opportunity to get him involved with Michael Penix Jr. taking over at quarterback.

Penix has been named Atlanta’s starter for Thursday’s game after missing the first two weeks while continuing his recovery from last year’s ACL injury. The 2024 first-round pick has been practicing for several weeks and is now set to make his 2026 debut.

The quarterback change could provide another opportunity for Pitts to become a bigger part of the passing game. Penix’s return gives Atlanta its intended starting quarterback back as the team attempts to move past an 0-2 start.

For Pitts, the objective is straightforward. After seeing only four targets through two games, he needs to become a more consistent part of the offense.

Rees has already acknowledged that responsibility falls on the coaching staff. Thursday’s matchup with Green Bay will provide the first opportunity to see whether Atlanta can turn those words into production.

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