The Atlanta Falcons are facing a tough challenge this Sunday, as they’ll be without their star wide receiver, Drake London, who’s sidelined with a groin injury. London, the team’s 2022 first-round pick, has been a crucial part of the Falcons’ offense, leading the team in targets, receptions, yards, and sharing the lead in receiving touchdowns with Bijan Robinson.
London, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 213 pounds, has consistently been a favorite target, with a streak of at least six targets in his last seven games and an impressive record of five catches and over 50 yards receiving in his last four games. Unfortunately, the Falcons will have to manage without him in this upcoming game.
Complicating matters, the Falcons are making a quarterback change from Desmond Ridder to Taylor Heinicke for this week. It’s worth noting that it was Heinicke who threw the pass resulting in London’s groin injury in the previous game against Tennessee. Although London initially downplayed the seriousness of his injury, he didn’t practice throughout the week. Falcons coach Arthur Smith is uncertain about when London will return but mentioned that the injury might not be as severe as initially feared.
With London sidelined, the Falcons are exploring alternative options. They might turn to other wide receivers like Mack Hollins, KhaDarel Hodge, and newly acquired Van Jefferson, or they could consider shifting tight end Kyle Pitts to cover some of London’s routes.
Heinicke expressed confidence in his connection with Hodge and Hollins, pointing to their previous practice sessions together, which proved beneficial in their recent game against Tennessee. However, the absence of London is undoubtedly a setback. Still, the fact that Heinicke had the opportunity to work with potential replacements during the week, despite London’s absence, provides a glimmer of hope.
“It’s unfortunate,” Heinicke acknowledged. “Obviously, he’s a great player. But you saw what Red [Hodge] and Scotty stepped up, Van stepped up. So, I have a lot of confidence in those guys. Again, it’s unfortunate he’s not playing, but I have all the confidence in the world in those other guys.”
In addition to London, the Falcons will also be missing safety DeMarcco Hellams due to a hamstring injury and fullback Keith Smith, who is in concussion protocol.
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