Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Falcons welcome back critical piece of offense to practice

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Alex Lord | Last updated 11/8/23

For the first time in his career, Drake London missed a game for the Falcons. Nursing a groin injury, the former 8th overall pick wasn’t able to suit up for the club’s tilt with the Vikings.

It was clear his presence was missed. Taylor Heinicke made more big plays than Desmond Ridder, and the offense put up a season-high 28 points, but missing your top wide receiver will always hurt.

What makes matters worse is London’s injury came at the thinnest position group. Receiver is by far the weakest position group on the team, but ironically, it could’ve benefitted Heinicke, who had been throwing to backups in practice. Make no mistake about it, though. Drake London is a difference maker, and he’s back at practice, Arthur Smith told the reporters.

Drake London will be back at practice today per Arthur Smith

— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) November 8, 2023

Taylor Heinicke will once again be under center for the Falcons, and thankfully, it looks like he’ll have his top receiver on the field. There’s a lot riding on this game for the veteran Heinicke. Arthur Smith also noted that the Falcons will re-evaluate the quarterback position going into the bye week, so it could be his last opportunity as the starter for the rest of the season, and he’ll have Drake London at his disposal.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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