Ahead of the 2024 season, the Atlanta Falcons reset the roster, including trading quarterback Desmond Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals. The young signal caller would attempt to win a backup job while the Cardinals sent receiver Rondale Moore in exchange for the quarterback. It appeared to be a slam dunk for Atlanta's front office, sending a player the team wanted to move off of in exchange for a potential third receiver.
However, things wouldn't play out as expected with Ridder failing to make Arizona's roster and Moore never playing a snap for the Falcons. The receiver suffered a preseason injury that held the pass catcher out for the entirety of 2024. At the end of the year, Atlanta turned the page, allowing Moore to hit free agency and land with the Minnesota Vikings.
It appeared Moore had a better shot to play in 2025 with Jordan Addison receiving a suspension to start the season. However, Moore's history has just repeated itself.
More about Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore suffering a “pretty significant” left knee injury against the Houston Texans on Saturday and being expected to miss this season, via @SeifertESPN:https://t.co/kChhuOg2nP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 10, 2025
Former Falcons Receiver Poised to Miss 2025 Season After Preseason Injury
While exact details are yet to emerge, Moore's knee injury suffered in the preseason opener is bad enough that it is expected to keep Moore out for the entire 2025 season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. This a brutal blow for a player who has continually attempted to keep his career alive and appeared to be nearing the end.
Moore needed a strong season in Minnesota to keep his career heading in the right direction. This happening now leaves his status in question not only for the Vikings but for his profressional run as a whole.
For Atlanta, the receiver position remains an area of concern after its trio of starters. Zero proven depth is a clear issue that will appear if an injury knocks out Darnell Mooney or Drake London for any extended period of time. Leaving reason to wonder if the franchise might continue to search for possible upgrades.
Moore, being forced to sit out two seasons, is going to make the quest to continue his NFL dreams incredibly difficult. Next year is going to need to be the perfect situation with the veteran taking advantage of any camp opportunities he can find. This is the unfortunate reality for an unproven piece now set to miss back-to-back seasons.