The Atlanta Falcons have entered the second week of training camp and are itching closer to the first preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Aug. 8.
While these practice reps are crucial, injuries are a part of the game. The team announced on July 25th that receiver Darnell Mooney is going to miss several weeks after he suffered a shoulder injury. That led to them adding D.J. Chark in free agency on Friday, but quarterback Michael Penix Jr. shouted out two other receivers.
When speaking to members of the media on Tuesday, Penix Jr. said David Sills and Chris Blair are two guys who've stepped up in Mooney's absence.
Michael Penix Jr. Calls Out 2 WRs for Stepping up in Practice
Penix mentions David Sills and Chris Blair as underrated guys who have stepped up without Darnell Mooney. #Falcons
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) July 29, 2025
Due to Mooney being sidelined, that only created more opportunities for other guys in that room. Sills is someone who has built a connection with Kirk Cousins, as Falcons reporter Kevin Knight said he was the quarterback's favorite target during the July 27th session.
He has played for the New York Giants and Denver Broncos over his career, reeling in 13 receptions for 123 receiving yards and 9.5 yards per catch. Back in January, he inked a future contract for the 2025 season and is taking advantage of the chance in front of him.
As for Blair, he signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent before getting waived in the summer of 2021. He ended up signing with the Falcons in 2023 and has bounced around the practice squad since. Blair has one catch for 17 yards during his tenure with the Falcons and also played on special teams.
Both players have left a ton to be desired on the field during the regular season over the last couple of seasons, but they are looking like different guys in the first week of camp.
It'll be interesting to see if they can keep it up as camp goes on and the preseason games begin. They will need to show out over the three preseason matchups to really have a chance to make the roster or practice squad, but this is the right way to go about it. The fact that Penix Jr. made it a priority to name these WRs shows they are impressing their teammates and are likely doing the same with the coaches.
Considering that Mooney won't be able to practice for the next few weeks, Blair and Sills will have the chance to continue their solid summer.