The New Orleans Saints' next opponent just suffered a major blow. Heading into Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons will be down both quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Drake London.
For London, he is out at least this next week with a PCL strain, and for the Falcons, the bad news doesn't end there. Penix Jr. is expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. If the fears for Penix Jr. turn out to be true, it would be the fifth season-ending injury of his college and professional career.
It's a lucky break for the Saints, who are also coming off of a win while also being fresh from the bye week. With their next opponent down two of their stars, the idea of a third win is now a lot more plausible than it was just a week ago.
The Saints' road to a third win just a a whole lot easier
New Orleans' defense is likely relieved not to have to guard London. Historically, he has racked up at least 70 receiving yards in all but two games when facing the black and gold. This season has also been the best of his career. London was on pace for over 1,300 receiving yards before his knee injury sidelined him and currently sits at fourth in the league with 810 yards.
The Falcons' next man up in the wide receiver room is five-year veteran Darnell Mooney, who only has 224 receiving yards this year. Tight end Kyle Pitts should also be expected to be leaned on, because the void that London is leaving is one that Atlanta might not be prepared for, making it all hands on deck for the red and black.
Penix Jr. going down is also one that should greatly increase the chances of the Saints' second straight win on Sunday. Kirk Cousins is expected to take over in Penix's place. Cousins only completed 42.9% of his passes in relief against the Carolina Panthers, 27.5% less than rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who faced that same defense last week.
Now that the dirty birds are effectively at half power, the city of New Orleans might have an early Thanksgiving Day feast on Sunday.