Loveland, Pitts and Likely Off to Slow Starts as Week 3 Approaches

Tight ends Colston Loveland, Kyle Pitts Sr. and Isaiah Likely have combined for little production through two weeks amid quarterback uncertainty.

Three prominent tight ends have gotten off to rough starts through the first two weeks of the NFL season. Chicago's Colston Loveland, Atlanta's Kyle Pitts Sr. and the New York Giants' Isaiah Likely have all seen their production limited by struggling offenses and quarterback changes.

Loveland, who entered the year projected as a top-five tight end by some analysts, was held without a catch in Week 1 despite the Bears scoring 59 points. He followed that with one reception for three yards in Week 2. His outlook is further clouded by a hamstring injury to quarterback Caleb Williams, which could leave Tyson Bagent to start in Week 3.

In Atlanta, Pitts has just one catch for 15 yards while the Falcons have scored only 16 points across two games. Michael Penix Jr. is expected to return at quarterback in Week 3, when Atlanta travels to Lambeau Field to face Green Bay on a short week. The Packers are coming off an overtime win over the Jets.

Likely broke out in Week 1 as a favorite target of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, but Dart was injured early in Week 2 and replaced by Jameis Winston, who struggled against the Rams. With Dart sidelined, the Giants may rely more on their running game in Week 3 against the Titans, according to the Yahoo Sports analysis.