Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London has been out the last two weeks due to a knee injury he sustained in their Week 11, 27-30 overtime loss against their NFC South division rival, the Carolina Panthers. In that contest, London had seven catches for 119 yards before exiting the game late with the injury. The diagnosis was a PCL strain in his left knee.
London missed the Week 12 game against the New Orleans Saints, where the Falcons won 24-10. With London absent, other offensive players would need to step up. One of which was wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who had three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. David Sills also had two catches for 16 yards and a touchdown.
Falcons Offense Finds Rhythm Without London
Quarterback Kirk Cousins was 16/23 for 199 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Although London didn’t play, the offense did well. In Week 13 vs. the New York Jets, Atlanta lost 24-27, but tight end Kyle Pitts stepped up to the plate, accumulating seven catches for 84 yards, being a reliable target for Cousins.
London’s status was week to week, but there could be a chance that he plays Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks at home, as Tori McElhaney reported that London did not practice on Wednesday and that head coach Raheem Morris stated that he was working with athletic trainers on a secondary field to try to get a gauge on if London will be ready this week.
It was also reported that Morris spoke more about London’s injury status, saying, “When he’s ready to go, Drake will be out there”, and that London is “day-to-day”.
How Does Drake London’s Knee Injury Affect The Falcons’ Offense?
Drake London is a receiver who can make the difficult catches and go up and get any pass thrown his way. London is a downfield threat who’s a tough matchup for many NFL defensive backs. With London not on the field, defenses can focus more on stopping the run, but with him on the field, the offense can be more balanced.
If London plays on Sunday, that’ll be a big help to Atlanta and will assist their chances of making the playoffs. PFSN has the Falcons at a .30 current baseline to make the playoffs.
Practice Report from Wednesday.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Full Participation
- ILB Josh Woods (hamstring)
- ILB Malik Verdon (shoulder)
Limited Participation
- ILB Kaden Elliss (not injury related – resting)
Did Not Participate
- WR Drake London (knee)
- S DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring)
- DL Brandon Dorlus (groin)
- DL David Onyemata (foot)
