Team news: Atlanta Falcons | Page 4

While Kyle Pitts has appeared in every game and has been on the field for 69 percent of Atlanta’s offensive snaps, he’s caught just 11 passes for 121 yards with no TDs this season. But after missing much of last season with a torn MCL, Pitts may not quite be fully healthy.

“Look at him, obviously he’s out there,” HC Arthur Smith said Monday, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Again, there are no perfect timetables. But there are certain things, you see him and he’s doing really well right now and there are certain things that he can’t [do well]. It’s been a journey back. He’s going to get there.”

The Falcons selected Kyle Pitts at No. 4 overall in 2021 and he had a strong rookie year, catching 68 passes for 1,026 yards with a touchdown. But since then, Pitts’ production has taken a significant dip — and it’s only gotten worse in 2023, the story pointed out. With this news that maybe Pitts isn't fully recovered, it at least gives some hope to owners who drafted Pitts this season, and of course, owners who used a high dynasty first round selection on him in 2021.

Only two 49ers I did not see participating during early open portion of Thursday’s practice: WRs Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings. Jennings was doing some work on the side. WR Brandon Aiyuk is out of blue no contact jersey. LB Dre Greenlaw also back in the mix.

Related Players: Ronnie Bell, Ray-Ray McCloud

In addition to Bell and McCloud, Tay Martin, Chris Conley and Isaiah Winstead are options the team could pull from their practice squad. We'll keep an eye on all of these injuries heading into Friday's practice, but we could be looking at a very run-heavy approach from the 49ers as 14-point favorites on Sunday.

Jaguars HC Doug Pederson said WR Zay Jones is a "long shot" to play the Falcons Sunday in London with a knee injury.

LB Devin Lloyd won’t travel to London and will miss the next two weeks. He had surgery to put two screws into his thumb yesterday; hope is he returns vs. Colts.

Related Players: Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk, Jamal Agnew, Evan Engram

The Jaguars spread the target share out thin in Jones' absence in Week 3 and eventually fell to the Texans by 20 points. Tight end Evan Engram has become much more involved in the passing game over the last two weeks, and could continue to deliver usable fantasy games in London in Week 4.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) is listed as out for Sunday.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Elijah Dotson, Isaiah Spiller

The Chargers have a very pass-friendly matchup against the Titans in Week 3, which could see them shy away from the run. Chargers running backs (namely, Joshua Kelley) averaged 2.6 yards per carry last week and switched heavily into the pass once the second half started. We should expect more of that, heavily reducing Kelley's Week 3 stock.

Chargers’ RB Austin Ekeler, who missed last week’s game due to an ankle injury, is not practicing today.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Elijah Dotson, Isaiah Spiller

The Chargers have a very pass-friendly matchup against the Titans in Week 3, which could see them shy away from the run. Chargers running backs (namely, Joshua Kelley) averaged 2.6 yards per carry last week and switched heavily into the pass once the second half started. We should expect more of that, heavily reducing Kelley's Week 3 stock.

The Chargers didn’t have running back Austin Ekeler in Sunday’s 27-24 loss to the Titans.

Who knows when they get him back: The Chargers aren’t saying.

“No timeline on his return,” coach Brandon Staley said Monday.

Ekeler did not practice last week.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Elijah Dotson, Isaiah Spiller

The Bolts missed Ekeler as they rushed for only 61 yards on 21 carries, a 2.9 yards per carry average in Week 2. Kelley looked good in Week 1, but couldn't get anything going in Week 2, which was a tough matchup against the Titans. If Ekeler is going to miss time, Kelley will likely continue to lead the way in the backfield.

WR Zay Jones (knee) is getting further testing today and is considered day to day, HC Doug Pederson told reporters.

Related players: Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk, Jamal Agnew

Jones didn't record a catch in Week 2 against the Chiefs after a 5-55-1 line in Week 1. After not being a factor in Week 1, Kirk stepped up with a monster game, collecting 11 catches for 110 yards on 14 targets.

Bears WR Darnell Mooney asked about his knee injury, and referred to it as a "nagging bruise" and believes he'll be "fine."

Mooney put up a 4-53-1 line in Week 1 but didn't have a target in Week 2 before leaving the game.

Falcons CB Jeff Okudah (foot) and Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh) both will practice today.

Related Players: Tyler Allgeier, Bijan Robinson

We will soon learn what type of role a "Joker" takes in the modern-day NFL, but it's hard to assume it will be good news for Drake London or Kyle Pitts, who remain bystanders in the Falcons offense. Bijan Robinson should still be considered an RB1 no matter who is on the field, while Allgeier may miss out on some snaps if Patterson finds his way into the backfield.

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler injured his ankle in the second half of Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins.

Head coach Brandon Staley said Monday that Ekeler is day to day, with his status for Wednesday’s practice to be determined.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Elijah Dotson

Ekeler was unable to finish Sunday’s game, finishing with 20 touches for 164 yards and a touchdown on 41 snaps. Backup Joshua Kelley played 39 snaps and had 16 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers chose to make Isaiah Spiller, a 2022 fourth-round pick, a healthy scratch in favor of undrafted rookie free agent Elijah Dotson, who played only one snap, the story said.