Good and bad from Falcons injury report versus Patriots

The Falcons will be much healthier for their matchup against the New England Patriots, with Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London set to return on Sunday. Kyle Pitts, who was limited in practice on Thursday, is also expected to play, meaning the Falcons offense will essentially be back at full strength after a dismal showing against the Dolphins, in which they managed just 10 points with Kirk Cousins under center.

The defense, however, isn’t as fortunate. Several key pieces will not suit up against Drake Maye — a midseason MVP candidate — and the Patriots offense, namely Billy Bowman Sr., Divine Deablo, and Zach Harrison. This marks the fourth straight week Bowman has been inactive, as the Falcons continue to play short-handed in the secondary. Deablo and Harrison will each miss their second consecutive game — two massive blows, considering Deablo was playing like one of the best linebackers in football and Harrison has arguably been Atlanta’s best defensive lineman.

Additionally, veterans Jessie Bates III and Leonard Floyd remain questionable, along with rookie Jalon Walker, who has missed the last two games. It’s imperative that those guys suit up for an already short-handed defense facing a Patriots offense averaging 26.8 points per game — nearly 10 points more than the Falcons.

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