London is listed among Falcons starters not suiting up for Friday's preseason opener against the Dolphins, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports. Atlanta won't play key starters including London, fellow wideouts Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud, quarterback Kirk Cousins, running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, plus tight end Kyle Pitts in Friday's exhibition contest. The third-year pro's next opportunity to suit up for preseason action will come Aug. 17 on the road at Baltimore.
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Status
ACTIVENext game projections (vs. PIT 9/8)
REC
REC YDS
TD
4.1
63.9
0.3
Latest Drake London news
Team
Atlanta Falcons
Birthdate
7/24/2001 (23)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'4", 213 lbs
Draft Info
2022: Rd 1; Pk (ATL)
Birthplace
Moorpark, CA, USA
Position
WR
College
USC
Experience
3 seasons
Career History
Atlanta Falcons
2022-Present
(3 seasons)
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DraftKings points 12.8FanDuel Points 10.8REC 4.1REC YDS 63.9LNG 25.1TD 0.3CBSS fantasy points 8.2ESPN fantasy points 8.2Yahoo fantasy points 10.2
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Full season projectionsREC 60.7REC YDS 737.3LNG 28.0TD 1.4
London is listed among Falcons starters not suiting up for Friday's preseason opener against the Dolphins, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports. Atlanta won't play key starters including London, fellow wideouts Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud, quarterback Kirk Cousins, running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, plus tight end Kyle Pitts in Friday's exhibition contest. The third-year pro's next opportunity to suit up for preseason action will come Aug. 17 on the road at Baltimore.
London (overheating/leg cramps) returned for the evening portion of Friday's practice, William McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports. London departed the morning portion of practice Friday after he experienced leg cramps and overheating. However, the wideout was able to return for the evening walkthrough, suggesting that he's clear of any concerns. Josh Kendall of The Athletic adds that London will be on the field when the Falcons practice Saturday. This year's training camp is particularly important for London as he looks to build a rapport with new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.
London left Friday's practice because of cramps and overheating, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. There was briefly concern about an injury when London made an early exit and was seen talking with trainers. It turns out he just needs rest and water, so it shouldn't be long before he's back to building chemistry with new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.
London left Friday's practice with an apparent injury, ESPN's Marc Raimondi reports. Initial reports don't make it sound too serious, with London reportedly walking off the field and spending some time talking to trainers. His day is likely done, but it's unclear at this point if Atlanta's top WR will miss any additional practices.
London is positioned to benefit from improved quarterback play going forward, with Kirk Cousins (Achilles) having officially inked a four-year deal worth up to $180 million with the Falcons on Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports. London has sketched solid behind-the-scenes metrics in each of his first two pro seasons, but while having to endure a combination of Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke under center, the 2022 first-round pick has also failed to record a 1,000-yard receiving campaign yet. He finished his rookie season with a 72-866-4 line while playing all 17 games, and 2023 with a 69-905-2 line in one less contest. Even coming off an Achilles tear at 35 years old, Cousins promises reliable passing production, with London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson as his go-to playmakers, in addition to recent addition Darnell Mooney. Cousins threw for 4,000-plus passing yards in seven of his last eight seasons from 2015-22, and regularly hovered around the 30-touchdown range. Considering his improved situation, London figures to be a popular breakout candidate in 2024 fantasy drafts, one who it wouldn't be surprising to see come off the board top-10 at his position.
London comfortably led the Falcons in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the afternoon while working with Desmond Ridder as his quarterback for a full game for the first time since Week 7. London's yardage total was his highest since Week 6 and second best of the season, but the entire Atlanta air attack faces a tough matchup against the Jets' stingy secondary on the road in Week 13.
London sat out this past Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Vikings after he was unable to practice all week, but he looks like he's trending toward a return to the lineup Week 10. The wideout's practice activity will still warrant monitoring in the coming days to ensure he's on a path to play in Arizona.
London was unable to practice throughout the week after hurting his groin in the 28-23 Week 8 loss to Tennessee. With London out, new starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke will have Van Jefferson and Mack Hollins as his top two wide receivers, with tight end Kyle Pitts possibly set for a larger role in the passing game as well. London's next chance to play will come in Week 10 against the Cardinals.
London had a 21-yard connection with backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke in the third quarter, but the wide receiver took a hard hit from two Titans defenders and immediately made his way to the sideline, where he was tended to by trainers. At the time he exited the contest, London had five catches (on seven targets) for 55 yards.