The Atlanta Falcons are back on the practice field this week, gearing up for a pivotal Week 16 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. With the playoff picture still in play, health is everything-and Atlanta’s first injury report of the week gives us a few early storylines to watch.
Let’s start with the potential return of wide receiver Drake London. He’s missed the last four games with a knee injury, but there’s optimism in Flowery Branch that he could be trending in the right direction.
London was limited in Wednesday’s session, and head coach Raheem Morris sounded cautiously encouraged, saying, “We’ll get a chance to see where he’s at, do a couple things with him. He seems to be in positive spirits.”
That’s a good sign for a Falcons offense that’s been missing his size, physicality, and red-zone presence.
If London can go-even in a limited role-he gives the Falcons a much-needed boost in the passing game. His ability to win contested catches and move the chains has been sorely missed, especially with the offense struggling for consistency in recent weeks.
On the other side of the ball, the Falcons already know they’ll be without starting cornerback Mike Hughes, who suffered an ankle injury in last week’s loss to Tampa Bay. He didn’t practice Wednesday and has officially been ruled out by Morris. That’s a blow to a secondary that’s already had to shuffle pieces throughout the season.
Here’s how the rest of Atlanta’s injury report shakes out:
Did Not Practice:
- Leonard Floyd (illness) - One of the Falcons’ key edge rushers was sidelined with a non-injury-related illness.
Something to monitor, but not considered serious at this point.
- Mike Hughes (ankle) - As mentioned, he’s out for Sunday.
- KhaDarel Hodge (shoulder) - Depth at receiver could be tested again if Hodge can’t go.
- Easton Stick (personal) - Not injury-related.
Limited Participation:
- Drake London (knee) - All eyes will be on how he progresses through the week.
- Bijan Robinson (illness) - The dynamic rookie running back was limited with an illness. Assuming it’s nothing major, he should be ready to roll by Sunday.
- Dee Alford (illness) - Another illness situation, but nothing long-term expected.
While the Falcons are dealing with a few bumps and bruises, the Cardinals are navigating their own injury concerns-and some of them are significant.
Arizona has already ruled out starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (knee) and safety Jalen Thompson (hamstring), two key pieces on opposite sides of the ball. Johnson’s absence leaves a hole on the blind side, which could be an opportunity for Atlanta’s pass rush to get home. Thompson, meanwhile, is one of Arizona’s most reliable defenders on the back end, and his absence could open things up for the Falcons’ passing game-especially if London returns.
Here’s a breakdown of the Cardinals’ Wednesday injury report:
Did Not Practice:
- Kelvin Beachum (rest)
- Evan Brown (personal)
- Darren Hall (concussion)
- Paris Johnson Jr. (knee - out)
- Max Melton (heel)
- Josh Sweat (rest)
- Jalen Thompson (hamstring - out)
Limited Participation:
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) - The rookie star has been banged up but continues to push through.
If he’s active Sunday, he’ll be a major focus for the Falcons’ secondary.
- Cody Simon (knee/ankle)
- Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle)
- Xavier Weaver (hamstring)
Full Participation:
- Budda Baker (thumb) - The Pro Bowl safety is practicing fully, which is a big plus for Arizona’s defense.
- L.J. Collier (knee - practicing while on IR)
- Will Johnson (thumb)
Bottom line: Both teams are dealing with their share of injuries, but the Falcons may be getting healthier at just the right time. If London and Robinson are both good to go, and Floyd returns from illness, Atlanta could be close to full strength for a game they can’t afford to drop.
With the NFC playoff race tightening and just three weeks left in the regular season, every snap matters. Sunday’s showdown in the desert could end up being a season-defining moment for the Falcons-and their injury report will be worth watching all week long.