FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Despite expressing hope that the Falcons could see the return of Drake London to the field of play when the team hosts the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday, head coach Raheem Morris officially ruled London out Friday.
Morris said Monday the plan was to get London moving around more this week, working with trainers, but that didn’t manifest into any practice time as the receiver was a non-participant in practice all week.
Joining him as a non-participant, too, was defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus, who Morris also ruled out with a groin injury.
Dorlus has been a bright spot among a defense full of young up-and-comers. The second-year player currently leads the team in sacks (6.0) and is tied for most tackles for a loss with Kaden Elliss (9). His presence will be missed.
And the Falcons’ pass rush could take another hit as James Pearce Jr. popped up on the injury report with a back injury Friday. He is being listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Pearce has recorded a sack in four consecutive games, bringing his total to 5.0 and his quarterback hurries to a team-leading nine. Pearce’s streak is tied with Ed Oliver for the second-longest active sack streak in the NFL. If it comes to pass that the Falcons will without their two top pressure players against the Seahawks, the defense will have a tall task ahead of it.
You can view the Falcons’ Friday reports below, and check out the full weekly reports from Atlanta and Seattle here.