ATL Standard

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris announced that two players will be limited as Week 1 preparations begin for Sunday's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The limitations include inside linebacker Nate Landman and tight end Kyle Pitts.

Landman is still recovering from a quad injury sustained during training camp and has not participated in practice since August 15.

Pitts, who was an unexpected addition to the injury list, has a hamstring issue. Morris expressed confidence in Pitts' condition: "(He) went out there and practiced the other day for us and did a really good job," Morris said. "… He had a hamstring a couple weeks ago or whatever it was. It really hasn't affected him too much. He's been out there practicing, doing just about everything, and we're ready to go."

Pitts appeared fully healthy throughout training camp, even referring to himself as a “super rookie” after overcoming previous injuries. However, Sunday’s game will be his first real test against live competition since he did not play much in the preseason.

Drafted with the No. 4 pick in 2021, Pitts had an impressive rookie season with 1,026 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl invitation. A knee injury in Week 11 of the 2022 season cut his second year short. In 2023, he accumulated 667 receiving yards and three touchdowns but dealt with ongoing health concerns that were later revealed to include MCL and PCL surgeries.

Despite these setbacks, the Falcons picked up Pitts' fifth-year option in April. "Definitely it's a blessing for the upstairs to still have faith in me," Pitts said. "I'll try to show them I can do something different this year."

Landman emerged last season when he stepped in for an injured Troy Andersen, playing in 16 games and starting 14 of them. His performance included making 110 tackles, forcing three fumbles, breaking up three passes, achieving two sacks, and returning an interception for 25 yards.

Given Landman's strong showing last season, he is considered a viable starter at inside linebacker along with Andersen and Kaden Elliss. This provides some security at the position even if Andersen is not ready by Sunday.

Landman and Pitts were the only players declared limited before Wednesday's practice session.

"Other than that," Morris stated, "we are really healthy and doing really well with that."

The updated injury reports for both teams can be viewed online.