The Atlanta Falcons have yet to get into preseason action and already could be missing a key piece to start the season.
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney suffered a shoulder injury that is expected to keep the receiver sidelined for "a few weeks," per ESPN's Marc Raimondi. This is purposefully non-specific language, leaving Mooney's return very much up in the air.
More about Falcons WR Darnell being sidelined “a few weeks” with a shoulder injury that he suffered Thursday, via @marcraimondi:https://t.co/Ie5cTHk8a1
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2025
Atlanta's offense does have the benefit of having a number of star options, with Drake London and Bijan Robinson being the primary playmakers. However, Mooney is the needed second option that allows offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's attack to be at its best. The Falcons lack depth at the WR position, with Ray-Ray McCloud stepping into the second option if Mooney misses the first part of the season.
Veteran receiver D.J. Chark was recently signed and offers Atlanta experience if Mooney is forced to miss time. While practice reps are important, it is always incredibly frustrating to lose a key piece before a snap has been played.
Falcons WR Darnell Mooney Could Miss Start of 2025 Season
The Falcons losing Mooney hurts as well due to the lost reps with new starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Getting on the same page with Mooney and tight end Kyle Pitts was especially important based on how last season ended.
London was the featured weapon in Atlanta's final game of the season, with Penix constantly seeking out the pass catcher. It seemed the coverage didn't matter with the new quarterback trusting his arm to get the ball into a window for London to make the play. While the receiver is the best option, the Falcons needed Penix to build this level of comfort with the rest of his targets. Those reps are now lost with Mooney being shut down for the next weeks.
The Falcons will start the season with a key divisional matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not having both London and Mooney on the field is a big disadvantage in a game where you want to set a clear tone. There is still reason for hope that Mooney can return in time for the regular season, as we remain well over a month away from the 2025 opener.
Chark and McCloud appear the most likely options to be elevated in Mooney's absence, with the Falcons' remaining options all lacking any experience. Casey Washington, KhaDarel, Jamal Agnew, and Chris Blair are the other notable options. No matter the answer, all are clear downgrades from Mooney.