Falcons’ Drake London to Undergo MRI on Knee; Michael Penix Jr.’s Status Uncertain
ATLANTA - Wide receiver Drake London will undergo an MRI on his knee after exiting the Atlanta Falcons’ overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, head coach Raheem morris announced. London sustained the injury during overtime and had seven receptions for 119 yards prior to leaving the game. Initial indications regarding the knee are reportedly positive, but the MRI will provide a clearer diagnosis.
The injuries to London and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. - who left the game earlier wiht an undisclosed injury – cast a shadow over the Falcons’ performance. Penix was replaced by Kirk Cousins, who finished 6-of-14 passing for 48 yards. The Falcons scored only six points after Penix’s departure,having led 21-7 at halftime.
Morris stated there was no update on Penix’s condition or expected recovery timeline, though he indicated Penix could have perhaps returned to the game. “There was obviously an adjustment with the offense when Cousins came in,” Morris said. “You change [the] quarterback, so you got to do what that quarterback does well, so we’ll go find out what kirk does well this week.”
The team is evaluating whether Cousins will start next week’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will collaborate with Cousins to tailor the offense based on Penix’s status.
Penix previously sustained a bone bruise in his left knee during a Week 7 game against the san Francisco 49ers, causing him to miss Atlanta’s subsequent game against the Miami Dolphins, where Cousins started.
Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom expressed support for Penix,stating,”[Penix is] pouring it out so much for everybody…it’s hard when you have these setbacks,but I know he’s going to have treatment and then as a person,obviously we’re just going to check on him and love him up.”
