Drake London Set for Surprising Return Against Cardinals
The Atlanta Falcons are poised to welcome back wide receiver Drake London for their Week 16 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, London, who has been nursing a knee injury since Week 12, is expected to take the field on Sunday.
London has been recovering from a PCL sprain that has kept him sidelined for the last four games. His participation in practice has been limited; he practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out on Friday. Despite this uncertainty, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris expressed confidence in London’s return, stating, “Everything in the passing game goes through Drake… He’s the emotional leader. He’s usually at the point of attack in everything we do for the running game.”
As the game approaches, official inactive lists will be announced 90 minutes before the 2:05 PM MST start at State Farm Stadium.
Injury Updates for Both Teams
The injury report reveals significant updates for both teams heading into the game.
For the Cardinals, the following players have been ruled OUT:
Evan Brown (personal)
Darren Hall (concussion)
Paris Johnson Jr. (knee)
Max Melton (heel)
Jalen Thompson (hamstring)
Players listed as QUESTIONABLE include:
L.J. Collier (knee)
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel)
Cody Simon (knee/ankle)
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle)
Xavier Weaver (hamstring)
Meanwhile, the Falcons have ruled out:
KhaDarel Hodge (shoulder)
Mike Hughes (ankle)
Drake London is among the players marked as QUESTIONABLE, along with:
Brandon Dorlus (illness/shoulder)
James Pearce Jr. (foot)
Players OFF the injury report for the Falcons are:
Leonard Floyd (illness)
Jessie Bates (rest)
LaCale London (shoulder)
Ruke Orhorhoro (groin)
Kyle Pitts (knee)
Dee Alford (illness)
Bijan Robinson (illness)
The Impact of London’s Return
London’s presence on the field could have a considerable impact on the Falcons’ offensive strategy. As a key player in the passing game, his ability to stretch the field and create separation could open up opportunities for other receivers and enhance the effectiveness of the running game.
His return comes at a crucial time as the Falcons aim to solidify their playoff aspirations against a Cardinals team facing its own injury challenges. With both teams dealing with significant player absences, Sunday’s matchup promises to be a pivotal contest in the season’s final stretch.
