The Atlanta Falcons were without Darnell Mooney in Week 1 due to a shoulder injury and would lose Drake London in last Sunday's heartbreaking 23-20 defeat. Both receivers are still on the injury report as limited participants in this week's practice. There is some level of hope that both players will be able to go by the time Sunday night's road game in Minnesota kicks off. However, Atlanta has unexpected concerns with four receivers now listed on the team's latest injury report.
ESPN's Marc Raimondi reported that Mooney and London aren't the only receivers that should have Falcons' fans concerned. The injury report that Raimondi tweeted out had both of the Atlanta starters as limited participants in practice. What was more eye-catching was the fact that both Jamal Agnew and Casey Washington were unable to go. Both were listed as DNPs along with Jordan Fuller and Jack Nelson. Neither of these players has the roles of Agnew or Washington, who are both key pieces of Atlanta's lineup.
Falcons Injury Concerns at WR Continue to Mount After a Week of Frustrations
With Mooney missing Week 1, the Falcons turned to Washington in the starting lineup, and the receiver played well. While it wasn't a perfect performance, there was obvious growth and an ability to make a consistent impact. Being listed as inactive during practice due to a concussion is a major update that should have Falcons fans extremely concerned about the lack of depth they have at the position going into Week 2.
Ray-Ray McCloud is the only known contributor who is heading into the Minnesota game without any injury concerns. The rest of Atlanta's lineup at the position remains very much in question. With this in mind, the Falcons need a quick return from their starters to give Washington a bit of time to recover. Mooney's timeline is unknown, with it seeming likely the pass catcher would be ready for Week 1, only to miss a key division matchup.
For London, it would be a surprise to see the receiver miss a game based on his past history of playing through injuries and willingness to put his body on the line. The receiver is the definition of a gamer and will do everything in his power to be on the field on Sunday.
Looking at the remaining injuries, it will be interesting to see what the Falcons opt to do in the return game if Agnew is going to miss time. The receiver is listed on the report with a groin injury after exiting the game and setting up corner Natrone Brooks to take over return duties if the veteran is unable to go in Week 2.
With all of this in mind, there is a world in which the Falcons are missing four of their current options at receiver, making it incredibly concerning heading into a key matchup against the Vikings. Brian Flores will have the defense ready to throw everything possible at a young starting quarterback. If these injuries all fall in the wrong direction, there is reason for alarm for a team that cannot afford to fall to 0-2 on the season.