NFL
Drake London’s injury raises concerns for the Falcons’ WR’s chances of playing against the Saints on Sunday
A big crowd is expected at Caesars Superdome as the Falcons are the visitors to New Orleans, Louisiana for Sunday’s week 10 game.
A massive challenge lies ahead on Sunday for the New Orleans Saints as they welcome Atlanta Falcons to the Superdome for Sunday’s game with both teams having very different objectives.
The Falcons have their sights set on the franchise’s first NFC South title since 2016 and the home team are looking for a win to stem their NFL-worst losing streak to seven games last week at Carolina.
The Falcons (6-3) are all alone in first place as they visit the Saints (2-7) who sacked head coach Dennis Allen on Monday and a day later traded former All-Pro cornerback Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders for draft picks.
Struggling Saints
The Saints fired Allen, who was 18-25 in two-plus seasons, after a 23-22 loss to the Panthers in Week 9 left the two teams tied -- along with seven others -- with the fewest wins in the NFL.
They promoted special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi to replace Allen. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods will take over the defensive play-calling duties that Allen had.
Rizzi said “everything will be evaluated and re-evaluated” while acknowledging that “wholesale changes” aren’t possible nine games into the season. He shook up the practice routine Wednesday, saying “we have to get comfortable being uncomfortable.”
“I don’t think anybody has lost hope,” he added, “but right now the product is unacceptable. We have to improve in a lot of areas.”
Injury concerns for both teams
The Saints ruled out wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder), cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (hamstring) and guard Lucas Patrick (ankle) for the game. Center/guard Erik McCoy was limited in practice on Friday and considered as doubtful to play Sunday, and New Orleans listed seven other players as questionable.
The Falcons will be without linebacker JD Bertrand (concussion) and Drew Dalman (ankle). Wide receiver Drake London has been dealing with a hip injury which forced him to abandon last weekend’s match and although he has been a limited participant in practice all week, the player is listed as questionable ahead of the New Orleans clash.
