Falcons' Pitts placed on IR, reportedly believed to have torn MCL

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is believed to have suffered an MCL tear Sunday, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Pitts was initially thought to have sprained his MCL based on initial tests. However, an MRI on Monday revealed a potential tear.

The ailment would require surgery, according to Rapoport, who adds Pitts is seeking a second opinion before making a decision. The 22-year-old will miss at least four games after the Falcons announced Monday that they placed him on injured reserve.

Pitts left the Falcons' win over the Chicago Bears after suffering the injury and didn't return.

Atlanta will turn to a combination of Anthony Firkser, Parker Hesse, MyCole Pruitt, and Feleipe Franks at tight end in Pitts' absence. Franks is also the team's third quarterback.

The 5-6 Falcons are currently half a game back of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South lead.