Coming off a lopsided loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Atlanta Falcons enter Week 9 with cautious optimism as several key players continue to recover from injuries sustained in recent weeks.
The team’s depth has been tested in recent weeks, and the absence of several starters has contributed to uneven performances. As the Falcons prepare to travel to Foxborough to take on the division-leading New England Patriots, the focus shifts to health, execution, and finding answers to their recent struggles.
Who Are the Falcons Expecting Back for Week 9?
Head coach Raheem Morris addressed the media Monday and offered a measured outlook on the team’s health heading into the weekend. While he stopped short of confirming any returns, Morris said the team continues to monitor several players closely and will evaluate their status throughout the week.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., wide receiver Drake London, and defensive lineman Zach Harrison are all considered day-to-day after missing time last week. Morris said their availability will depend on how they progress during practice sessions.
Beyond Harrison’s day-to-day status, there’s potentially more good news on the defensive side. Morris said edge rusher Jalon Walker and cornerback Billy Bowman Jr., who have each missed multiple games, could be back in action this week.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said all the players who were injured last week, such as quarterback Michael Penix Jr, wide receiver Drake London and defensive lineman Zach Harrison, will be day-to-day this week.
He also said edge rusher Jalon Walker and cornerback Billy…
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) October 27, 2025
The Falcons will release their first official injury report on Wednesday, which should give us a better sense of which players are trending toward suiting up against the Patriots in Week 9.
Atlanta’s offense struggled to find rhythm against Miami, and the absence of Penix and London was felt throughout the game. Penix has shown flashes of promise in his second season, while London remains one of the league’s most reliable targets.
Their potential return could provide a much-needed boost to a unit that failed to score a touchdown until garbage time on Sunday.
So far this season, the Falcons rank 19th in overall offense with a 72.3 PFSN Offense Impact Score and 18th in overall defense with a 73.3 Defense Impact Score. Both units have shown moments of competitiveness but remain middle-of-the-pack statistically, underscoring the importance of getting key contributors back on the field.
Defensively, the Falcons are looking to rebound after surrendering 34 points to the Dolphins. Walker’s pass-rushing ability and Bowman’s presence in the secondary would be welcome additions as Atlanta prepares for a challenging road environment.
Beyond the injury concerns, Week 9 represents a pivotal moment in Atlanta’s season. With the schedule growing tougher and playoff hopes still alive, the margin for error is shrinking. A healthier roster could be the difference between staying in the hunt and falling further behind in the NFC race.