Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London Injury Update: 'Trending in Right Direction'

Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith provided an injury update on receiver Drake London, safety DeMarcco Hellams and more leading into Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Atlanta Falcons posted their season-high mark in points during last Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and did so without their best receiver in Drake London.

After suffering a groin injury the week prior in a 28-23 defeat at the hands of the Tennessee Titans, London didn't practice leading up to Sunday and was inactive for the first time in his regular season career.

The second-year pro still leads the Falcons in targets (57), receptions (37) and receiving yards (438) and is tied for the lead in touchdown grabs with two.

Amidst a time of frustration and disappointment following two straight losses, Atlanta's searching for bright spots - and London appears poised to continue being one in this weekend's road contest against the Arizona Cardinals.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith shared an encouraging update on London and rookie safety DeMarcco Hellams, who missed Sunday's game with a hamstring injury.

“Guys you hope to get back, we’ll see how it goes. I think it’s trending in the right direction with Drake and DeMarcco," Smith said. "As always, Wednesday will tell us a lot.”

Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London is on his way back from a groin injury / USA Today Sports

Fullback Keith Smith was also out against the Vikings, battling through a concussion. Arthur Smith did not provide an update on his status.

Wednesday marks a return to the practice field and is a crucial installation day for the week's game plan. It's also the day when the first official injury report is provided, and there's plenty of other players to monitor when that's released.

Atlanta suffered a number of injuries during Sunday's game, with Arthur Smith mentioning running back Cordarrelle Patterson, cornerback Dee Alford and receiver Mack Hollins.

Patterson returned to the game after departing and Smith said he "should be good." The Falcons are in wait-and-see mode with Alford, but there's more pessimism around Hollins than anyone else.

“Mack is maybe the one we’re most concerned about, just for this week,” Smith said.

The Falcons and Cardinals are set to kick off at 4:05 p.m. EST Sunday inside State Farm Stadium.