As the Atlanta Falcons wrap up preparations for their Week 16 clash against the Arizona Cardinals, the final injury report gives us a clearer picture of who’s trending toward playing - and who won’t be suiting up.
Let’s start with the good news: Head coach Raheem Morris believes this has been the healthiest week his team has had in some time. That’s no small thing this late in the season, especially for a squad still trying to solidify its playoff hopes. But there are still a few key names to monitor heading into Sunday.
Drake London and James Pearce Jr. questionable, but expected to play
Two of the biggest question marks are wide receiver Drake London and rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. Both are officially listed as questionable, but Morris expressed optimism that they’ll be available.
London has missed the last four games with a knee injury and didn’t practice Friday. Still, he sounded confident about his progress: “I want to get back out there as quick as possible.
But everything is going smoothly. I've been making good strides and leaps.
That’s all I can ask for.” If he’s able to go, it would be a major boost for a Falcons offense that’s lacked a true vertical threat in his absence.
Pearce, meanwhile, was a late addition to the injury report with a foot issue. But his presence on Sunday could be pivotal.
The rookie leads not just the Falcons, but all NFL rookies with 8.0 sacks - and he’s been on a heater lately, logging at least one sack in six straight games. He had two in the team’s Week 15 win over Tampa Bay, showcasing the kind of explosiveness that’s made him a breakout star in Year 1.
If he’s active, expect him to be a major factor against an Arizona offensive line that’s banged up.
Two ruled out, including starting corner Mike Hughes
Wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (shoulder) and starting cornerback Mike Hughes (ankle) have both been ruled out. Hodge was placed on injured reserve Friday, so his absence was expected.
Hughes, however, is a key loss for a secondary that’s already thin. His ankle injury kept him out of practice all week, and now the Falcons will have to shuffle things in the defensive backfield.
Rest days and illness dominate the injury list
The Falcons listed 17 players on this week’s report - and 10 of them are starters. But not all of those are due to injury.
Several veterans were given rest days or are dealing with minor illnesses. Among those limited or held out for rest: linebacker Kaden Elliss, tight end Charlie Woerner, left tackle Jake Matthews, and defensive tackle David Onyemata.
All are expected to play barring any setbacks.
Jessie Bates III, Leonard Floyd, and Bijan Robinson also showed up on the report with illness designations, but all three were either full participants by Friday or didn’t miss significant time. Barring a sudden turn, they should be good to go.
Final Falcons injury designations for Week 16
Ruled Out:
- WR KhaDarel Hodge (shoulder)
- *CB Mike Hughes (ankle)
Questionable:
- *WR Drake London (knee)
- DE James Pearce Jr. (foot)
- *DT Brandon Dorlus (illness/shoulder)
No Game Status Designation (expected to play):
- CB Dee Alford (illness)
- *S Jessie Bates III (illness)
- *ILB Kaden Elliss (illness)
- *DE Leonard Floyd (illness)
- DT LaCale London (shoulder)
- *LT Jake Matthews (rest)
- *DT David Onyemata (rest)
- DT Ruke Orhorhoro (groin)
- *TE Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee)
- *RB Bijan Robinson (illness)
- QB Easton Stick (personal)
- TE Charlie Woerner (rest)
Cardinals dealing with heavy losses up front
Arizona’s injury report paints a rough picture, especially in the trenches. Three starters - left guard Evan Brown (personal), left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (knee), and safety Jalen Thompson (hamstring) - have been ruled out. That’s a significant blow to both sides of the ball.
The Cardinals will also be without cornerbacks Darren Hall (concussion) and Max Melton (heel), further thinning a secondary that’s already had its hands full this season.
Rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. questionable
All eyes will be on rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., who’s questionable with a heel injury. He was limited all week in practice. If he’s unable to go, the Cardinals will have to dig deep into their receiving corps for answers.
Final Cardinals injury designations for Week 16
Ruled Out:
- *LG Evan Brown (personal)
- CB Darren Hall (concussion)
- *LT Paris Johnson Jr. (knee)
- CB Max Melton (heel)
- *S Jalen Thompson (hamstring)
Questionable:
- DL L.J.
Collier (knee, practicing while on IR)
- *WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel)
- *ILB Cody Simon (knee/ankle)
- S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle)
- WR Xavier Weaver (hamstring)
No Game Status Designation (expected to play):
- *S Budda Baker (thumb)
- *RT Kelvin Beachum (rest)
- *DL Calais Campbell (rest)
- *CB Will Johnson (thumb)
- *OLB Josh Sweat (rest)
What it all means heading into Sunday
For Atlanta, the biggest storyline is the potential return of Drake London and the continued dominance of James Pearce Jr. If both are active - and effective - they could swing the game in the Falcons’ favor. London stretches the field and opens up the run game for Bijan Robinson, while Pearce gives the defense a game-wrecking presence off the edge.
For Arizona, the injuries along the offensive line and in the secondary are cause for concern. Missing both starting tackles and a key safety puts added pressure on a young team still trying to find its identity.
This game could come down to which team handles the attrition better - and which of the questionable stars can suit up and make an impact.