The Atlanta Falcons have faced significant challenges in their offense due to the absence of key wide receiver Drake London, who has not played for a substantial part of the season. London, who had a stellar 2024 season with 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns, continued to shine in 2025 before suffering a knee injury during a game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11.
After missing four consecutive games, London made his return in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals. However, he did not appear to be fully recovered, finishing the game with only three receptions for 27 yards from eight targets. “He said he felt rusty out there,” said offensive coordinator Zac Robinson during a media briefing. “He hasn”t played in a while. There”s a rhythm to football… For him to miss all those games, you lose a little bit of that rhythm.”
London”s last game prior to his return was on November 16, marking over a month without in-game experience. He participated in 53 snaps during his comeback, the fewest he has played in a game this season where he was active. Prior to his injury, Robinson noted that London was playing “as well as any wide receiver in the NFL,” a sentiment that resonates with his impressive performance before the setback.
In fact, London recorded over 100 receiving yards in five of his last six games before the injury, including an outstanding 158-yard performance against the Buffalo Bills. Despite only playing in ten games this season, he is tied for fifth in the league for the most games with 100 or more receiving yards, achieving this feat five times. Additionally, he stands out as one of only eight players and five receivers to score three or more receiving touchdowns in a single game this season, which he accomplished against the New England Patriots in Week 9. Following that game, Stefon Diggs, an All-Pro wide receiver, praised him, stating, “You”re a star, keep being a star.”
Looking ahead, Robinson is optimistic about London”s recovery and expects him to improve significantly in practice. “I expect he”s going to have a great week of practice and would anticipate him looking even better ,” Robinson expressed. While Sunday”s performance indicated that London is still not at his peak, his talent and contributions to the Falcons” offense remain undeniable. Robinson is confident that London will soon return to showcasing his elite abilities among the league”s top pass catchers.
