Falcons' Drake London Dealt Major Injury News Before...

By Rowan Fisher-ShottonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

Drake London has been the Atlanta Falcons’ clear No. 1 receiving option again this season, piling up 60 catches for 810 yards and six touchdowns across nine games.

He’s produced five games with over 100 yards, ranks sixth in the NFL in receiving yards, and 11th in targets (94).

Those figures underpin how much Atlanta depends on him as a move-the-chains and vertical threat.

Unfortunately, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris announced Wednesday that London is "doubtful" for Atlanta’s Week 13 trip to the New York Jets.

Morris’s comment follows London’s absence in last Sunday’s win over New Orleans, and arrives with Atlanta still trying to steady an offense that has now lost starting QB Michael Penix Jr. for the season.

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London is dealing with a left-knee PCL strain that kept him out of practice leading into the Week 12 matchup against the Saints.

Atlanta listed him out for that game, and he missed a full week of practice.

The injury took place against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11, when London went down late in overtime and didn't return to the game.

Morris’s "doubtful" label on Wednesday is the latest evaluation as the Falcons prep for Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff at MetLife Stadium.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London.

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With London likely sidelined again, Kirk Cousins — who started and won at New Orleans — will need other targets to step up.

Atlanta’s run-heavy offense behind Bijan Robinson still projects to lean on slot and complementary pieces (Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts) while scheming to limit damage without its No. 1 option.

The Falcons enter the Jets game at 4-7 and third in the NFC South, with their postseason hopes hanging in the balance and each game effectively a must win.

The 2-9 Jets offer a great opportunity on paper, but missing London complicates how comfortable Atlanta should feel.

However, it will be crucial to monitor practice reports late in the week — Morris’s “doubtful” tag is meaningful but not final.

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