Report: Falcons' Kyle Pitts Diagnosed with Torn MCL; Will Need Surgery on Injury

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is reportedly believed to have a torn MCL after leaving Sunday's game with a knee injury.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the news Monday, noting Pitts will require surgery but is getting a second opinion before deciding on a course of action.

The Falcons later placed Pitts on IR, but did not confirm the severity of the injury.

Head coach Arthur Smith did not offer any updates on Pitts' injury status while talking with reporters after the 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears.

The injury is a major blow to a Falcons team (5-6) that is surprisingly in the running for an NFC South title, just a half-game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5).

The 22-year-old emerged as one of the most dynamic tight ends in football as a rookie last season, catching 68 passes for 1,026 yards and a touchdown. He's struggled in his sophomore campaign with Marcus Mariota under center, however, with 28 receptions for 356 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games.

Pitts has generally been durable in his young NFL career. His only missed game came in October because of a hamstring injury.

Without Pitts available, Mariota's top options in the passing game would be rookie wideout Drake London (39 catches for 409 yards and four scores) and Olamide Zaccheaus (25 catches for 374 and two touchdowns).

Parker Hesse, meanwhile, would be called upon as the top option at tight end. In 11 games this season, he has five catches for 50 yards on six targets. Anthony Firkser, who was inactive on Sunday, could be another option at the position.