Falcons Prepare for Bucs With Drake London Likely Out Again on Thursday Night

The Atlanta Falcons enter their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with renewed uncertainty surrounding their receiving corps. Star wideout Drake London, already sidelined for three straight games, appears unlikely to return in time for the divisional contest. His continued absence adds yet another obstacle for a team that has been unable to find consistent footing all season.

London has been dealing with a PCL injury suffered on November 16, and his status early in the week offered little optimism. The third-year receiver was listed as a non-participant on Monday’s estimated injury report, signaling that his recovery remains ongoing. For Atlanta, the potential loss extends far beyond the short-term game plan; it affects an offense that has struggled to maintain rhythm and confidence.

With the Falcons effectively eliminated from playoff contention after a loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the organization may weigh the benefits of resting London for the remainder of the season. Injuries have been a defining theme for Atlanta, most notably with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. being ruled out for the year. Since his departure, the Falcons have managed just one win.

The disappointment stands in sharp contrast to the expectations entering the season, when Atlanta appeared positioned to compete in the NFC South. Instead, stagnant offensive play and mounting injuries have altered the narrative and made player health a more pressing priority than late-season results.

1. London’s Absence Extends Amid Frustrating Offensive Slide

Wide receiver depth has taken a significant hit with London sidelined, and the offense has struggled to function without its top target. His combination of size, catch radius and reliability has been difficult to replicate, leaving Atlanta to rely on a rotating cast of options in the passing game. The results have been predictably inconsistent. London’s non-participation on the early-week injury report suggests that the Falcons may err on the side of caution, especially given their position in the standings. The organization must balance London’s long-term value against any short-term incentive to rush him back onto the field. His absence has coincided with Atlanta’s broader decline on offense. Scoring has dipped, explosive plays have been rare, and the passing game has lacked the stability required to sustain drives. Without London commanding defensive attention, opposing secondaries have played more aggressively, limiting Atlanta’s options. As the team prepares for Tampa Bay, the Falcons may again lean on their run game and short-area passing in an attempt to compensate—a formula that has had mixed results throughout the season.

2. Inconsistent Execution and Quarterback Turmoil Derail Falcons’ Season

Atlanta’s offensive issues extend well beyond one injury. The team has been unable to establish consistent rhythm across weeks, struggling to combine efficient playcalling with execution on the field. Offensive coordinator decisions have repeatedly come under scrutiny, while personnel setbacks have further complicated the equation. The loss of Michael Penix Jr. was a significant blow to the team’s long-term plans. Since his injury, the Falcons have relied once more on veteran Kirk Cousins. Although Cousins has played competently in stretches, the offense has not been able to generate enough production to secure wins. Pressure from opposing defenses has also contributed, as teams have targeted Cousins’ limited mobility with frequent blitzes. In last week’s loss to Seattle, Cousins threw for just 162 yards with two interceptions, reflecting a performance hindered by tight coverage and constant pressure. The receivers struggled to create separation, continuing a pattern that has emerged since London’s departure. The Falcons’ inability to establish a clear offensive identity has prevented them from sustaining momentum, leaving them vulnerable in close games and limiting the ceiling of what was once an encouraging roster.

3. Run Game Shows Promise but Lacks Reliability in Key Moments

One of the few bright spots for Atlanta has been its ground attack, which has provided stability during an otherwise turbulent stretch. The Falcons have relied on their running backs to control tempo and alleviate pressure on the passing game. At times, this approach has worked effectively, helping Atlanta move the ball and maintain offensive balance. However, even the run game has struggled to deliver in critical situations. Opposing defenses have frequently stacked the box against Atlanta, daring them to win through the air. Without consistent success in the passing game, the Falcons have found themselves unable to fully capitalize on their rushing strengths. Large gains have often been followed by stalled drives, a sign of the team’s offensive inconsistency. Short-yardage failures and untimely penalties have compounded these issues, further limiting scoring opportunities. As the Falcons continue through the final stretch of the season, their focus may shift toward evaluating younger players, preserving key starters like London and searching for ways to rebuild offensive continuity heading into the offseason.