Atlanta Falcons fans have bemoaned for weeks that tight end Feleipe Franks‘ conduct on special teams is eventually going to cost the team, and it did.
Franks was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct in the fourth quarter with 12:13 remaining. The NFL announced Saturday that Franks has also been fined $8,111 for taunting toward the New Orleans Saints‘ bench.
The penalty set off head coach Raheem Morris who was visibly frustrated with Franks. Fans and reporters said it was a long time coming for the quarterback-turned-tight end.
Drake London Still Dealing With Knee Injury
The Falcons will be without star receiver Drake London for a second straight game when they face New York Jets Sunday.
London is out with a knee injury for week 13. He was previously listed as doubtful throughout the week.
London sustained the injury in week 11 during the Falcons’ overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. He played through the end of regulation and finished with seven receptions for 119 yards, but hurt his knee during the overtime period.
The Falcons chose not to place London on injured reserve, suggesting they expect him back in fewer than the four weeks required for an IR stint. He sat out Atlanta’s week 12 win over the Saints. London still leads the team in every major receiving category with 60 catches for 810 yards and six touchdowns.
Falcons Look to Move in the Playoff Picture with Kirk Cousins at QB
The Falcons (4-7) are also without their QB1 as Michael Penix Jr. is out for the season and partially tearing his ACL in week 11. Penix had a lengthy injury before being drafted by the Falcons in the first round in 2024. He had two torn ACLs in his right knee during his college career (2018 and 2020), a fractured clavicle/sternoclavicular joint sprain in his right shoulder (2019), and a dislocated AC joint in his left shoulder (2021).
Instead, veteran Kirk Cousins will be under center for the Falcons. Cousins led the Falcons to victory week 12, but the game plan called for a heavy dose of the run game. Bijan Robinson ran for 70 yards on 14 carries and Tyler Allgeier racked up 44 yards on 12 rushes. Cousins finished the game 16-for-23 with 199 yards passing, two touchdowns and an interception.
Cousins Ready for a Dog Fight
On Sunday, Cousins will be facing a top 10 passing defense and a 23rd ranked rush defense, so the Falcons are likely to lean on the run more often again. Cousins said he’s ready for whatever Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks throw at him.
“Another tough test in the NFL this week, going up to MetLife to play the Jets,” Cousins said this week. “I’ve played against Coach Glenn and Coach Wilks many times throughout my career, and it’s always been a dog fight. Always have had so much respect for what they’ll do schematically, and they keep you thinking all week long and then all game long.
“I think this is a defense that plays fast. They have speed in a lot of places and athleticism, and you feel it as you watch the tape and as you evaluate them. So, it’ll be a challenge for us. Good opportunity.
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