The Atlanta Falcons will take on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in their final game of the season. Several key players have been limited in practice, while others have been placed on injured reserve. As a result, Atlanta will be somewhat shorthanded for the matchup. Here is the latest update.
Falcons Injury Update feat. Drake London, Mike Hughes
Several key players on the Falcons’ offense are listed on the injury report, with wide receiver Darnell Mooney added Thursday. Mooney has 29 catches for 423 yards and one touchdown this season. His best performance came against the New Orleans Saints in Atlanta’s first meeting with them in Week 12 of the regular season. In that game, Mooney recorded three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Mooney can line up in the slot but also goes outside the numbers at times. He was a limited participant in practice on Thursday.
Other pass catchers, including wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., were also limited in practice. Both players are dealing with knee injuries, but they played last week and have a good chance to suit up Sunday.
Despite dealing with a knee injury since Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers, London has not practiced much. As a result, his participation, even in a limited capacity, is an encouraging sign.
Tori McElhaney of the team’s official website reported that defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus and cornerback Mike Hughes are unlikely to play Sunday against the Saints. Dorlus sustained a hamstring injury against the Los Angeles Rams last week and recorded a sack in that game. Hughes has been dealing with an ankle injury for an extended period, and the Falcons have placed him on injured reserve. Neither player participated in practice on Thursday.
This season, Hughes has totaled 40 tackles and one interception, while Dorlus has 15 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Cornerbacks Cobee Bryant and CJ Henderson have filled in for Hughes. The secondary has also been impacted by injuries, with Clark Phillips III dealing with a triceps injury and illness.
Falcons Practice Report
Thursday, Jan. 1
Full participation
- N/A
Limited participation
- WR Darnell Mooney (knee)
- WR Drake London (knee)
- TE Kyle Pitts (knee)
- S DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring)
- DL Sam Roberts (knee/ankle)
Did not participate
- CB Mike Hughes (ankle)
- CB Clark Phillips III (triceps/illness)
- DL Brandon Dorlus (hamstring)
