The Atlanta Falcons were given exciting news on Friday, with neither Darnell Mooney nor Drake London having an injury designation for Sunday night's game. Atlanta has gone from wondering if it will be missing both of its primary weapons to now having a fully healthy starting lineup on the offensive side. ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the news that has Atlanta fans feeling far better about their chances in Week 2 against Minnesota. While calling the second game in any season a "must-win" feels dramatic, you unquestionably don't want to fall to 0-2.
Another piece of this game is the aspect of the quarterback matchup. Already, Penix has watched his team lose to the Vikings and Broncos and was beaten by Jayden Daniels at the end of the 2024 regular season. Losing to J.J. McCarthy, who is only making his second start of the season, is far from ideal. Now, Penix will have the advantage of his three best weapons being on the field. A needed change for a roster that is incredibly thin at the position after its three starters.
Falcons Announce Both Darnell Mooney and Drake London are Expected to Return to Starting Lineup
Casey Washington has been dealing with a concussion, leaving it very much in question who the third receiver would've been if one or both stars missed more time. Ray-Ray McCloud was the only known healthy contributor. This is far from ideal for a career gadget player who just made the leap to playing receiver full-time a season ago. Now, the Falcons can take a breath and work to find additional depth while Mooney and London return to the lineup.
For Mooney, this will be the receiver's 2025 debut after missing Week 1 due to a shoulder injury he has been dealing with since early on in camp. It is a relief that the speedy option is only going to miss a single week with the concerning injury. So much of what Mooney does sets up the rest of the offense. Using his speed to put pressure on the secondary and allowing Pitts and London to make plays underneath.
The loss on this was on full display in the first week of the season, with Penix forced to make tight window throws and finding few options down the field. If there is one thing Atlanta fans love about the quarterback, it is a willingness to try any throw and push the ball past the sticks. This aspect of the offense was incredibly limited without Mooney on the field.
The leading reason for clear excitement is Schefter pointing out that both players are off the injury report and will be ready for Sunday night's road game in Minnesota. One that has incredibly important implications not only for Penix, but for where Atlanta's season is heading and if this year is going to be any different than the last half-decade of frustrations.