Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London did not get to finish his career night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. London was hurt on the penultimate play of overtime following a hit on an 18-yard gain.
Earlier in the evening, London temporarily left the game following a personal foul on Bucs linebacker K.J. Britt, in which he made contact with London’s head.
Here is the latest on the Falcons’ No. 1 wide receiver.
What Happened to Drake London?
In overtime, London was tackled on an 18-yard reception and remained down, holding his chest after the play. He never had an opportunity to return to play, as Kha’Darel Hodge scored the game-winning 45-yard TD on the next play.
Drake London shaken up again and grabbing at his chest after this play.pic.twitter.com/SH6fO0Gkv6
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 4, 2024
After the game, London spoke with Prime reporter Kaylee Hartung and praised Hodge’s performance, saying, “He just works hard. He keeps his head down and stays focused.”
According to Next Gen Stats, Hodge’s touchdown was the sixth-most improbable touchdown reception of the season, with a probability of just 0.03%.
KhaDarel Hodge reached a top speed of 19.70 MPH on his game-winning TD reception in overtime, his 2nd-fastest speed as a ball carrier in his career.
Hodge’s touchdown was the 6th-most improbable touchdown reception of the season (0.03% probability).#TBvsATL | @AtlantaFalcons pic.twitter.com/NMXzEP0aod
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 4, 2024
After his first injury in the game, London was escorted to the blue medical tent, and his helmet was taken from him. The injury came on a helmet-to-helmet hit on a second-down incompletion.
At the time of his injury, London was leading the Falcons with three receptions for 38 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown on the opening drive. The score was London’s third of the season, already eclipsing his total from 16 games last season (two).
Falcons WR Drake London is in the medical tent after this hit to the head by Bucs LB K.J. Britt.pic.twitter.com/k1DcWO7HXy
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 4, 2024
London was evaluated for a concussion and went to the locker room, which put his status for the rest of the game in doubt.
However, he returned midway through the second quarter after a medical evaluation in the locker room. He finished the first half with a game-high six catches and 64 yards, and his touchdown. By the end of the game, London led the Falcons with a career-high 12 receptions for 154 yards, the second-highest yardage total of his career.
Fantasy Impact of Drake London’s Injury
London is in the midst of a strong year, making this an alarming potential setback for the Falcons and his fantasy football managers alike if he were to miss any time.
So far this season, London has been targeted at 26.8% of the Falcons’ targets, far higher than his 21.7% rate from the 2023 season. In addition, he has finally gotten the red-zone volume that fantasy managers have been calling for.
Through Week 4, London accounted for 46.2% of the Falcons’ red-zone targets, turning that into five catches and a pair of TDs. Over his first two seasons, London only received 31% of Atlanta’s targets in the red zone.
Falcons WR Drake London in his last two home games vs. the Buccaneers:
⚫ 8 receptions/game
🔴 146 rec. yards/game
⚪ 17.26 air yards/game pic.twitter.com/yfuakKYFkQ— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 3, 2024
If London misses any time, expect more volume for Darnell Mooney. Mooney actually led the Falcons in receiving yards entering this week with 225, albeit on five fewer targets than London. Following London’s departure, Mooney caught a 24-yard touchdown, his second of the season.
Perhaps long-suffering Kyle Pitts owners can also expect more volume, though his chemistry with Kirk Cousins has been elusive so far. Pitts did open the game with a 32-yard catch on his opening drive. Sadly, that play alone eclipsed his receiving yardage total in three of his first four games.