'Major setback' for the touring side as Atkinson leaves the field due to a hamstring issue.
The pace bowler added to England's injury problems when he left the ground early on day two of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia.
The pace bowler felt a problem in his hamstring immediately following a delivery that he bowled on Saturday.
Team management indicated the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and would spend time away from the action in order to be assessed "in the coming hours".
The series decider in this Ashes battle beginning on 4 January gets underway this coming Sunday.
The English side has previously lost key quicks one seamer to a knee injury and another paceman with an abdominal strain on this Ashes tour.
A replacement bowler was brought into the squad to provide backup.
Atkinson struggled early in the series, claiming a mere three wickets.
He was omitted from the previous Test, only to be brought back for the Boxing Day match as Archer's replacement.
Surrey's Atkinson performed better in the fourth Test, taking two wickets with the ball, and scoring 28 runs with the bat among just a trio of teammates to reach double figures.
Post a single over late on the first day, he came back for the second day's play and dismissed the nightwatchman edging to the keeper.
Yet, towards the conclusion of his spell, he sent down a slower ball to Travis Head and promptly felt his left hamstring.
The English bowler was recalled for the Boxing Day Test following his omission the Adelaide game.
