FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons rookie tight end Kyle Pitts, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Bills on Sunday, did not participate in practice Wednesday, according to the team’s official injury report.

Cornerback Fabian Moreau (foot) and wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (foot) were back at practice. Moreau didn’t play against the Bills, and Sharpe was injured against San Francisco on Dec. 19 and missed the past two games. Both fully participated.

“We haven’t ruled anybody out,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “We’ll be smart. We’ll get some of those guys back to practice. Nobody we’d rule out today.”

Top 10 NFL rookie tight ends .Kyle Pitts is only the second rookie tight end in NFL history to record 1,000 yards receiving.The other is former Bears TE Mike Ditka.Pitts needed just 58 yards to break Ditka's 1961 record for most yards receiving by a rookie tight end.However he made only 2 catches for 8 yards in the last regular season game against the Saints on Jan. 9, 2022.The following are the top 10 rookie tight ends in NFL history:.10. Russ Francis (49ers) — 1975, 35 catches, 636 yards, 4 TDs.9. Bob Trumpy (Bengals) — 1968, 37 catches, 639 yards, 3 TDs.8. Cam Cleeland (Saints) — 1998, 54 catches, 684 yards, 6 TDs.7. Evan Engram (Giants) — 2017, 64 catches, 722 yards, 6 TDs.6. John Mackey (Colts) — 1963, 35 catches, 726 yards, 7 TDs.5. Charle Young (Eagles) — 1973, 55 catches, 854 yards, 6 TDs.4. Keith Jackson (Eagles) — 1988, 81 catches, 869 yards, 6 TDs.3. Jeremy Shockey (Giants) — 2002, 74 catches, 894 yards, 2 TDs.2. Kyle Pitts (Falcons) — 2021, 68 catches, 1,027 yards, 1 TD.1. Mike Ditka (Bears) — 1961, 56 catches, 1,076 yards, 12 TDs

The Falcons (7-9) are set to face the Saints (8-8) at 4:25 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Wide receiver Frank Darby (shoulder) was limited and running back Qadree Ollison (quad) did not participate.

Smith had six players return from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

“Obviously, monitor them as they get back into practice as we implement the game plan, get through the week,” Smith said. “We’ll make the decision for the best 48 on Sunday. Excited to have those guys back. We’ll see how it goes through the week. Everybody is at different spots. It’s never one size fits all.”

The Falcons now have three players on the list after a recent outbreak pushed the number to 13 at one point.

Tight end Hayden Hurst, safety Jaylinn Hawkins, practice-squad guard Willie Beavers, outside linebacker James Vaughters and defensive tackle Marlon Davidson and Sharpe were activated from the list.

Offensive tackle Jason Spriggs, defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard and inside linebacker Dorian Etheridge remain on the list.

FALCONS INJURY REPORT

Wednesday, Jan. 5

Full Participation

  • No. 22 CB Fabian Moreau (ribs)

Limited Participation

  • No. 88 WR Frank Darby (shoulder)

Did Not Participate

  • No. 8 TE Kyle Pitts (hamstring)
  • No. 30 RB Qadree Ollison (quad)

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