The Falcons were without their starting quarterback and top receiver in Week 8. Both are on track to return in time for Sunday’s game, though. 
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is off Atlanta’s injury report. The second-year passer was absent last week due to a bone bruise in his knee. After nearly being in position to play through the injury this past Sunday, it comes as little surprise he will manage to return in time for the Falcons’ upcoming game against the Patriots.
The same is also true of receiver Drake London, who was absent in Week 8 as a result of a hip injury which emerged late in preparation for the game. The 24-year-old was a limited participant in practice over the past two days before logging a full session on Friday. As a result, London is now set to return at the same time Atlanta’s QB1 will resume his first full campaign atop the depth chart.
The Falcons have run hot and cold in 2025. The team suffered a 24-point loss against the Dolphins in Week 8 with Kirk Cousins making his first start of the season alongside a shorthanded skill position group. Having Penix and London back in the fold will be key against a Patriots team riding a five-game winning streak.
Atlanta’s offense has flashed potential when at full strength this season, although the 3-4 team would certainly benefit from better consistency in all facets. A strong run of availability would be a critical factor in that regard, especially as Penix’s evaluation period in a full-time starting role continues. That process will see him take the field with a healthier group around him on Sunday.
This team has too much talent to be as inconsistent as they are. Might be time to take a hard look at the coaching staff.
I agree
Good, let’s hope they give NE a real game this week. The latter has gotten off too easy facing backups at key spots and subpar teams.
Sigh
The Bills mafia can’t accept that they’re not leading the AFC East so they are seeing conspiracies everywhere…lol.
The issue with the way this Flacons team is built is they never looked at protecting Penix or any QB for that matter.
Their offensive line has no alpha dog. There is no Bill Fralic (should be in the HOF – especially if dog killer Vick is in there). Still hard to believe he made the HOF never winning anything or really doing anything other than that 2008 season with that stacked Eagles team. I digress. He’s a POS.
Look at the Patriots this season. After getting Maye last season they insured him this season by drafting Will Campbell. The Flacons instead decided to draft the raw edge player (linebacker) Jalon Walker.
Walker is a solid prospect but is years away from any impact and the Falcons need a new O-line with a new QB.
Penix is a real NFL QB and is progressing but don’t ruin your new toy behind a substandard o-line.
Only 3 teams are allowing QB sacks at a lower rate than the Falcons OL so that unit is doing quite well without any alpha dog. Part of their problem is that they don’t have a kicker they can rely on to win close games so they have to try for TDs instead of playing a field position game.