Atlanta Falcons: Will rookie receiver Drake London start week one?

Atlanta Falcons rookie receiver Drake London managed one preseason catch and promptly left the game with a knee injury.  Arthur Smith’s tenure in Atlanta has already been defined by the lack of updates he willingly provides the media keeping most injury updates in-house. Whether this is a positive adjustment is up for interpretation it certainly makes it harder for opposing teams and home media to decipher who will be ready to be on the field on Sunday against the Saints.

If, however, the initial updates the Falcons offered on London still apply fans should expect the receiver to line up on and start Sunday against the Saints. Even in the moments after the injury happened London didn’t appear to be in great discomfort walking the sidelines interacting with his teammates and watching the game.

While this is far from confirmation that London will be ready to start it would be surprising if the rookie isn’t at the very least available off the bench. London is back at practice and Atlanta lacks the depth to replace him in the starting lineup.

If the injury isn’t serious Atlanta cannot afford to hold Drake out of the starting lineup. London’s injury after one preseason catch is a concern and part of why the draft pick was risky, to begin with. London is ultra-talented but dealt with a myriad of college injuries and isn’t likely to be able to suddenly stay healthy at the next level.

If London isn’t able to go the Falcons will likely roll with Olamide Zaccheaus, Bryan Edwards, and KhaDarel Hodge.  Edwards is a great fit as the second or third option but without London, Atlanta will find themselves in the same position they were in last season. While the depth is much better than last season Atlanta still doesn’t have a Calvin Ridley on the roster capable of stepping up when Julio was dealing with an injury. Atlanta needs a healthy Drake London if they have any hope of pulling off an upset on Sunday.