The Atlanta Falcons have been met with rough injury news to start the season, losing both Kaleb McGary and Bralen Trice before Week 1 kicked off. Losing McGary is especially tough with the right tackle expected to protect the blindside of new quarterback Michael Penix Jr. There is reason for a healthy level of concern about what this position will look like moving forward. However, amid the frustration, there has been one exciting update with receiver Darnell Mooney returning to Falcons practice.
Mooney ended the 2024 season dealing with an injury, and the story quickly repeated itself with the veteran pass catcher missing the majority of August. Losing Mooney exposes the fact that Atlanta is extremely top-heavy at the position. The starting trio of Ray-Ray McCloud, Drake London, and Mooney is incredible, but the team is one injury away from being in panic mode. Looking at the depth chart, there isn't one name fans can trust to replace Mooney's production.
However, it seems this isn't a bridge the franchise will be forced to cross with the receiver's return, indicating a possible Week 1 debut. With an important divisional matchup against Tampa Bay scheduled, it is vital that Mooney is able to be in the starting lineup in Week 1.
WR Darnell Mooney is at practice in uniform for the first time since July 24. #Falcons
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) August 28, 2025
Falcons Star WR Darnell Mooney Finally Returns to Starting Lineup
Marc Raimondi reported the receiver's return to the lineup, pointing out that it was the first time Mooney had been on the field since July 24th. Not a great reminder of a player who has a concerning recent injury history. Still, it is exciting to see the pass catcher return to the lineup and offer fans much-needed excitement. Being ready for Week 1 is the goal, and Atlanta's offense appears to be intact minus the loss of McGary.
Mooney had 992 receiving yards in the 2024 season, adding 5 touchdowns and a handful of incredibly clutch moments. The implosion of Kirk Cousins and late-season injury are the only things that prevented the speedy pass catcher from having his second 1,000-yard season. A goal that should be easily reached with Penix now under center.
Whether or not the quarterback is the star he is believed to be, there is no debating that he is going to let the ball fly. For better or worse, big play attempts are going to be there for the taking, setting up the now healthy Mooney for what could be a huge 2025 season.