Drake London made his NFL preseason debut Friday for the Falcons. It didn't last long.
London, selected eighth overall by the Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft, lasted just five plays before suffering an apparent knee injury. He was hit by Lions safety DeShon Elliott after making a catch for 24 yards.
London was able to walk off under his own power but was reaching for his knee as he headed to the sideline.
There's the rookie @DrakeLondon_ making plays. 📈
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2022
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The Falcons quickly ruled London out for the remainder of the game, citing the knee injury.
The extent of the injury is unclear, and Falcons coach Arthur Smith declined to provide much of an update on it after the game.
"We'll find out more tomorrow," Smith told reporters, per NFL Network's Bridget Condon.
MORE: Why Falcons made Drake London first receiver selected in 2022 NFL Draft
Still, it's worth noting that London wasn't going to play much Friday. Most of Atlanta's offensive starters played just one, 12-play drive during the game. And ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the injury to London is "not serious."
Falcons’ HC Arthur Smith said the team would know more Saturday about the knee injury that WR Drake London suffered tonight, but one source was encouraged early on and said “it is not a serious injury.” Still, further testing ahead.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 13, 2022
London is expected to be the Falcons' No. 1 receiver despite being a rookie. The USC product totaled 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games during his final year with the Trojans before suffering a fractured ankle. He never played more than eight games during his three college seasons.
If London misses any time, the Falcons will likely rely on Bryan Edwards, Damiere Byrd and Olamide Zaccheus as their top receivers.
