The Atlanta Falcons anticipate "everybody" being ready for the season opener on Sept. 10 against the Carolina Panthers.

"Everybody" would include Kyle Pitts, who is recovering from surgery to repair his right MCL.

Arthur Smith maintained multiple times that the team is going to be smart with its third-year tight end, but it's an indication he should be ready by the opener.

Pitts has not been spotted at either of the open voluntary OTA practices, and Smith declined to offer a more concrete timeline on Pitts' return and whether he'll be available for training camp.

He had knee surgery after suffering the injury in Atlanta's win over the Chicago Bears on Nov. 20.