Drake London Week 8 status: Will the WR play against the Miami Dolphins? Full injury report and updates on Falcons’ key sidelined players

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London will not play in Sunday’s Week 8 game against the Miami Dolphins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, leaving Atlanta without one of its top offensive weapons.

London, who has been managing a hip injury, was listed as questionable on Saturday but was ultimately ruled inactive ahead of the matchup. The 24-year-old has struggled with injuries this season, including a shoulder issue earlier in the year, making his absence another challenge for a Falcons offense already navigating multiple setbacks. London’s presence on the field had been critical for quarterback Michael Penix Jr.,

and his absence changes the dynamic for Atlanta’s passing game.

Atlanta Falcons check on London before finalizing status

The team had planned to evaluate London on Sunday morning to determine if he could play. “Falcons will check in this morning at the stadium with WR Drake London — who was added to the injury report Saturday as questionable with a hip injury — to determine whether he can play vs. the Dolphins,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X, formerly Twitter. Later, Schefter confirmed that London had been officially listed as inactive, ending any hope of seeing the star receiver take the field against Miami.

Fans and analysts had speculated about London’s potential return, but the decision ensures the Falcons will have to rely on other options to stretch the field and make plays downfield.

Other Falcons players also sidelined

London isn’t the only key player sidelined for the Falcons. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is also out, and Kirk Cousins is expected to start in his place. Additional injuries have taken Storm Norton (foot), Divine Deablo (forearm), Jalon Walker (groin), and Billy Bowman Jr.

(hamstring) out of action. With so many starters missing, Atlanta will have to adjust both offensively and defensively, putting extra responsibility on backups and remaining playmakers.

The coaching staff will need to be creative with formations and play calls to compensate for the missing talent.

Falcons face challenges in Week 8 without star receiver

The Falcons enter the game at 3-3, trying to maintain a competitive edge in the NFC South, while the Dolphins sit at 1-6. Losing London limits Atlanta’s ability to stretch the field and put pressure on Miami’s defense, making other receivers and running backs critical to sustaining drives. Fans will be watching closely to see how the Falcons adapt without their star wideout and whether the offense can perform under these challenging conditions.

Despite the setbacks, the team will rely on experience, game planning, and depth to try to secure a home win, keeping their playoff hopes alive.Also read: Former New York Jets star Nick Mangold dies at 41 after battling kidney disease: Remembering his legacy and life beyond football