The Atlanta Falcons appear likely to be without star receiver Drake London against the New York Jets in Week 13. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told reporters on Wednesday that London is "doubtful" to face the Jets on Sunday due to his knee injury, which obviously isn't ideal this close to the playoffs.
The Jets are an extremely beatable opponent, but nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. The Falcons still have a great shot at winning this weekend, but being without their No. 1 wide receiver won't make things easy.
Despite the Falcons having every reason for a sense of urgency, it is obvious that protecting the future of London comes first. The star wideout should be held out in a winnable game in a 2025 season that already appears to be over. With this in mind, there is likely to be a roster spot up for grabs on Sunday. One that veteran wideout K.J. Osborn, who was signed earlier this week, will likely take, considering his experience with quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Drake London's Injury Provides Surprise Opportunity for K.J. Osborn to Contribute
It isn't as if the Falcons have an incredibly difficult rotation to crack with WRs David Sills and Casey Washington both being established as starting options. The fact that both players are so important to the rotation speaks to the opportunity that Osborn now has to step in and make an immediate impact. With Cousins desperately attempting to breathe life back into a failing career, the quarterback would welcome the familiar target.
Osborn spent four seasons on the Minnesota Vikings with Cousins after the franchise drafted him 176th overall in 2020. The former Miami (FL) playmaker was at his most productive during that stretch, hauling in 158 catches for 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns. Although not every game was played with Cousins, it's easy to see why Osborn would welcome a reunion, especially after posting a forgettable 7-57-1 stat line last season.
With this in mind, it seems very probable that Osborn is elevated from the practice squad and active for Sunday's game in New York. This is obviously dependent on the early reporting around London's injury status being correct. It makes sense for the Falcons to be cautious and attempt to protect the receiver ahead of a pivotal game in Atlanta against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14.
Beating Seattle is already extremely unlikely based on how the Falcons have been playing; taking London out of the lineup makes it impossible. This headlines why it makes sense to protect the stud pass-catcher this week and attempt to lean on other playmakers.
Osborn and Cousins know each other well and would mutually benefit from getting back on the same page. As frustrating as it might be for London to miss another week, at least it provides an opportunity for Osborn to perhaps put his career back on track, making it interesting to see if the Falcons will give the vet WR a shot or not this weekend.