Drake London, wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, expressed optimism about returning to play in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals following a knee injury. Speaking Thursday, London said, “We’re trending in the right direction.” He has participated in practice on a limited basis this week and will have one more session before game statuses are determined. The final list of active players will be announced on game day.
Head coach Raheem Morris noted earlier in the week that London’s injury status had improved from week-to-week to day-to-day. Morris stated he was “very hopeful” that London would be available for Sunday’s matchup.
London sustained his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury late in the fourth quarter during the Falcons’ Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers and has missed four games since then. In his absence, Kyle Pitts Sr. has led the team’s receiving corps, highlighted by an 11-catch, 166-yard performance with three touchdowns last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While London supported Pitts’ success—Pitts was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week—he acknowledged frustration at not being able to contribute on the field. “I just try to be the best teammate that I can possibly be,” London said. “Yeah, obviously, it hurt. You want to be out there, knowing you can contribute. But I don’t want to be a hindrance to the team by trying to be a tough guy and play.”
Earlier this season, London also missed a game due to a hip injury but had previously only missed one game in any season since joining Atlanta as a first-round draft pick in 2022.
“I’ve been scratching and clawing to play every game this season,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know that, but the season hasn’t been too well on my body. So, could be a blessing in disguise that this happened. I don’t know, but just trying to fight back and get out there on the field.”
Despite Atlanta’s elimination from playoff contention with three games left in their schedule, London emphasized his desire to return: “I want to play as much football as I possibly can until it’s done for this year.”
“I have very, very big aspirations, especially when it comes to injuries and stuff like that,” he added. “I want to get back out there quick as possible. But everything is going smoothly. I’ve been making good strides and leaps. That’s all I can ask for.”
