The Atlanta Falcons are heading on the road to play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football in Week 2. They weren't able to come away with the win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1, and even lost star wideout Drake London in the process. He left in the fourth quarter with a shoulder sprain and did not return, casting doubt on his availability going forward.
Head coach Raheem Morris spoke to the media ahead of Wednesday's practice and revealed that London will be on the field for this practice session. Morris went on to add that the statement doesn't mean he will play for sure, but that's his opinion since London is a very tough player and could try to power through his ailment.
Falcons HC Raheem Morris Expects Drake London to Play in Week 2
Although London won't be at full strength in this contest, having him out there is massive. The Falcons were already without Darnell Mooney in Week 1, but Morris also pointed out that the sixth-year wideout will be practicing on Wednesday as well.
The Falcons don't have much depth in the WR room, so the need for London is magnified even more. Nonetheless, the USC product has been relatively healthy in his NFL career, playing in at least 16 games in all three previous seasons.
London's production has increased with each season, and Atlanta is expecting another bump in 2025. He had eight catches for 55 yards before his Week 1 exit, and the Falcons will be looking his way if he can suit up against the Vikings this weekend.
The Vikings are one of the best defenses in the league, led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores. He isn't afraid to blitz and leave his cornerbacks on an island. When those opportunities come on Sunday night, Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. having his 6-foot-4 WR to loft the ball to would be an advantage for the offense.
The next couple of days in practice will be huge for London to see how his body responds. Like Morris said, he's an extremely tough player who fights through several injuries to get out on the field. Based on Morris' tone, he didn't seem overly concerned about London missing time, but things can change on the fly.
This is something Falcons fans should keep an eye on, but it sounds like London will be on the field when the game kicks off on Sunday night.