Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London leaves training camp early

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — As the Atlanta Falcons’ starting offense worked an 11-on-11 period against the first-team defense Friday at IBM Performance Field, star receiver Drake London sat on one knee with a Gatorade towel over his head, watching from the sidelines.

London, who had been doused with water by a trainer, left training about 15 minutes early – but his absence will not be long.

The 22-year-old from London suffered an overheating injury, the Falcons announced after training. He had previously been due to speak to the media after the session but his appearance was postponed.

Temperatures were in the 80s around 11 a.m. Friday in Flowery Branch, but the sun was beating down on the practice field. London, a native of Moorpark, Calif., was urged to hydrate by receivers coach Ike Hilliard as he came off the field.

Before his departure, London had a good day. He caught two passes from quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​during 11-on-11 against Atlanta’s reserve defense, one coming over the middle to cornerback Clark Phillips III and the other on an intermediate-depth crossing route to the left hash.

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London, a 2022 first-round pick, led Atlanta in receiving in each of his first two seasons.

As a rookie, the former University of Southern California standout had 72 receptions for 866 yards and four touchdowns. He followed that up with 69 receptions for 905 yards and two touchdowns in 2023.

The Falcons’ passing attack is expected to be bigger in terms of volume and production, which means a potentially bigger workload for London, who said during OTAs that he wants to become more dominant this fall.

That mission begins during training camp, with another opportunity to practice at 6 p.m. Saturday, when the Falcons hold a public practice at Seckinger High School in Buford. The Falcons have not provided an update on London’s availability for practice.