The Atlanta Falcons are entering the season with a clear mindset. Not only do they want to establish Michael Penix Jr. as the franchise quarterback, but they also want to do it while remaining competitive for playoff positioning. After coming on near the end of the 2024 season, this year could serve as the true coming-out party for the former first-round pick.
However, as a young quarterback, Penix is going to need all the help he can get from his supporting cast, particularly at the wide receiver spot. The duo of Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud III should hold down the fort for Atlanta. But there are genuine question marks surrounding the designated WR2 on the roster, Darnell Mooney, when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1.
Will Darnell Mooney Play Against the Buccaneers?
Last season, Mooney was a breath of fresh air as he immediately solidified the WR2 spot for Atlanta. However, a deep pass during practice resulted in Mooney’s shoulder injury, which has bothered him since. This has led to DNPs in all three preseason games for the Tulane product.
Moreover, he also missed virtually the entire training camp and all practices until last week. Even in his return, he was a limited participant in all three practices, leading to an official designation of questionable on the injury report.
Speaking to ESPN, Mooney didn’t sound fully confident about his chances of taking the field against Tampa Bay. “It’s a game-time decision. Got some things we got to look at at the end of the week, but like I said, I’m feeling good.”
Darnell Mooney appreciation post
🌕 64 catches, 992 yards, 5 TDs
He missed a game so he didn’t get the 1k PR but he balled out pic.twitter.com/yVSUytEWbr
— Not Bijan (@InBijanWeTrust) May 6, 2025
Mooney was clearly excited to return to the field in practice this week. “I feel good to be back practicing being with the guys and feel good to move around. It’s been a while.” However, the Falcons have to contend with the lack of time Mooney has gotten to develop chemistry with their young quarterback.
On his end, the former Chicago Bears star remains unbothered, claiming, “Connection feels good. We had a lot of work this offseason. We communicate a lot, too, talk [to each other], and yeah, I feel like everything’s smooth.”
#UPDATE: Mooney is ruled out for the Week 1 game against the Buccaneers.
What Happened to Mooney?
A fifth-round pick in 2020, Mooney really came into his own in his second season, tallying 1,055 yards over the course of the year. However, it was also the only year of his career where he was completely healthy.
Last season, Mooney was a vital part of the Atlanta attack, almost racking up 1,000 receiving yards (992), along with five touchdowns. But going into Year 2, the same concerns have popped up once again.
With the focus on elevating Penix and a lacklustre defense, the focus has to be on the passing game. But without Mooney, the pass-catching group falls apart behind London, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding Kyle Pitts.
