Drake London injury: Falcons receive massive bad news on star WR's status for Week 12 game vs. Saints

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London left the team’s loss against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday with a knee injury. Updates on the receiver’s status emerged on Monday, with reports that he’ll be out for the Falcons’ Week 12 game against the New Orleans Saints.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported in a post on X on Monday that the receiver will be out of action for at least a week. According to Rapoport, London could potentially miss more games. He wrote:

“Falcons WR Drake London suffered a PCL sprain and is out this week and potentially more.”

Ian Rapoport

@RapSheet

Source: #Falcons WR Drake London suffered a PCL sprain and is out this week and potentially more. With Michael Penix Jr out this week with an aggravation of his bone bruise and London out with a sprain, Atlanta is significantly short-handed.

Drake London is not the only injury concern for the Falcons after Sunday’s game. Quarterback Michael Penix also left the game with a knee injury and is reportedly out for the remainder of the season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported on X that the quarterback might be seeking a second opinion concerning his injury. He wrote:

“Falcons QB Michael Penix suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury during Sunday’s loss to the Panthers. Penix will be seeking a second opinion, but it is not encouraging.”

Adam Schefter

@AdamSchefter

ESPN sources: Falcons QB Michael Penix suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury during Sunday’s loss to the Panthers. Penix will be seeking a second opinion, but it is not encouraging.

These injury updates come at a bad time for the Falcons team, which is on a five-game losing streak. London is an important part of the Falcons’ offense, leading the team with 60 receptions for 810 yards and six touchdowns this campaign.

London caught seven passes for 119 yards against the Panthers on Sunday. His replacement, KhaDarel Hodge, was targeted once in overtime, but the pass was incomplete. The rest of the Falcons’ wide receivers have 89 catches for 447 yards combined. Darnell Mooney is next after London with 16 receptions for 224 yards.

How the Falcons’ wide receivers’ room looks with Drake London out

London’s absence will mean more workload for David Sills, Hodge, and Carlos Washington. Meanwhile, Mooney will have heavier expectations on his shoulders going into the Week 12 matchup against the Saints.

Similarly, Kirk Cousins will be taking the reins under center following Penix’s season-ending injury.

The Falcons are third in the NFC South with a 3-7 record after losing five straight games, only ahead of the Saints in the standings. Heading to Caesars Superdome next Sunday, the Falcons will be hoping to end their losing streak. However, the Saints, coming off a win against the Panthers, will not be easy opponents for the Falcons, especially in front of their home fans.

Atlanta vs New Orleans will kick off at 4:25 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Nov. 23.