The Atlanta Falcons enter Week 2 with plenty of uncertainty surrounding the position of wide receiver. Michael Penix Jr.’s first prime-time road test against the Minnesota Vikings could look much different depending on which pass catchers are available. One of the biggest questions centers on Darnell Mooney, who is yet to play in 2025.
How Did Mooney Suffer His Shoulder Injury?
Mo͏oney’s absence in the͏ season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers highlighted just how vital he ͏is ͏to the Falcons’ offense. The 26-year-͏old wideout has been dealing with a shoulder injury since ͏training ͏camp.
As PFSN’s Abhinand Variar reported, the concern began last month when Mooney laid out for a deep throw from Penix during 11-on-11 drills. He briefly stayed on the ground before walking off with a trainer and did not return that day.
Head coach Raheem Morris addressed Mooney’s progress on Monday, saying, “I feel good about Mooney. We’ll see more. He did warm up. He’s been doing a lot of things, as you guys have seen.”
Raheem Morris said he doesn’t have an update on Drake London, who left Sunday’s game due to a shoulder injury.
“Drake is a tough human. I feel good about it after talking to him, but I want to get some clarity.”
Morris also said he “feels good about (Darnell) Mooney.”
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) September 8, 2025
Despite being seen warming up͏ before kickoff in͏ Week 1,͏ the͏ Falcons included him on the inactive list, leaving the offense without one of its ͏top downfield threats͏.
#UPDATE: The Falcons have confirmed that Mooney is fully healthy to play on Sunday against the Vikings.
“Raheem Morris says both Drake London and Darnell Mooney do not have an injury designation for Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings,” wrote Falcons insider Will McFadden. “The Falcons should have their top two receivers for this prime-time matchup.”
Why the Falcons’ Offense Struggled Without Him?
Mooney did not appear in the preseason either, meaning the Falcons have not had him in game action since 2024.
Last season, he finished second on ͏the team ͏with 64 catches and 992 yards while leading the roster with 15.5 yards per reception. His ability to stretch the field created space for Drake Lond͏on, who paced͏ the team with͏ 100 receptions,͏ ͏1,271 yards and nine touchdowns.
Without Mooney, the Falcons’ passing game leaned heavily on Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts Sr. Robinson paced the team with 100 receiving yards, highlighted by a 50-yard touchdown, while Pitts remained a reliable outlet.
London absorbed the bulk of the wide receiver workload, pulling in eight of 15 targets for 55 yards. Yet, that volume produced just 3.7 yards per play when Penix looked his way.
The inefficiency highlighted Mooney’s value to the offense. In his first year with Atlanta, his vertical threat not only stretched defenses but also made London’s heavy target share more impactful.
What To Expect Ahead of the Vikings Game?
Morris confirmed that Mooney will participate in the Falcons’ first Week 2 practice. “We’ll see as far as Mooney and playing and all those things. But we’ll get him out at practice,” Morris explained. “And we’ll get a look and see toward the end of the week what he’s got going on.”
Falcons WRs Drake London & Darnell Mooney are both practicing today, per HC Raheem Morris. pic.twitter.com/0rZmja3HZ8
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) September 10, 2025
Casey Washington stepped up in Week 1 with three receptions for 33 yards, but Falcons’ passing game clearly missed its full complement of weapons. .
