Michael Penix (knee), Drake London (hip) set to play vs. Patriots

The Patriots will face the Atlanta Falcons’ beginning quarterback and No. 1 vast receiver after the pair missed final week’s sport towards the Miami Dolphins as a consequence of damage.

Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Drake London (hip) have been full contributors throughout the Falcons’ observe on Friday, indicating that the tandem might be good to go throughout their Week 9 matchup with New England in Foxborough.

The QB and pass-catcher have been every restricted throughout Wednesday and Thursday’s practices after sitting out the week prior when Kirk Cousins stuffed in below middle. The Dolphins earned their second win of the season with a 34-10 victory over Atlanta, because the Falcons fell to 3-4.

Atlanta involves Massachusetts to face a 6-2 Patriots crew on a five-game win streak; the return of Penix and London couldn’t come at a greater time for the Falcons, who’re on a two-game shedding streak coming into the week.

London is likely one of the finest vast receivers within the sport this season and will actually be a thorn in New England’s aspect as they search a sixth consecutive win. Professional Soccer Focus ranked the 24-year-old the sixth-ranked WR within the NFL forward of Week 9. London has caught 38 passes on 63 targets (60.3 %), registered 20 first down catches, is averaging 78.2 yards per sport (ninth-best within the NFL), and has caught two touchdowns by way of six video games performed.

The elite-catcher might be taking part in towards star Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, equally one of many league’s high defensive backs. London is fifth in PFF’s receiving grade since 2024, whereas Gonzalez is sixth in PFF’s protection grade since 2024.

Notably, Gonzalez has not allowed a single landing in his final 478 protection snaps — a big stat forward of his thrilling matchup versus London. He’s simply 22 protection snaps away from hitting 500 straight with out giving up a rating.

Gonzalez spoke extremely of London whereas talking with reporters on Thursday, highlighting his playmaking capability together with a number of different gifted items of Atlanta’s offense.

“Drake, he’s an incredible receiver. He can do quite a bit,” Gonzalez said. “Runs actually good routes for the way large he’s. Nice catch radius. He’s an incredible goal for Mike [Penix]. They bought an incredible offense: Mike, Bijan [Robinson] is Bijan. So I imply, they bought an incredible offense over there and we’re prepared for the problem.”

Kaley Brown

Sports activities producer

Kaley Brown is a sports activities producer for Boston.com, the place she covers the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Purple Sox.