Falcon's Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. predicts Darnell Mooney's return from injury
Atlanta Falcons' Darnell Mooney's Return Remains Unclear
Darnell Mooney, the Atlanta Falcons' wide receiver, has been sidelined since suffering a shoulder injury during the first week of training camp on July 24, 2025. The injury has left the Falcons' offense in a state of uncertainty, with head coach Raheem Morris describing Mooney’s status as "week-to-week."
Mooney's deep-threat ability and speed made him a key component of Atlanta's passing attack last season. He averaged a career-high 15.5 yards per catch in the 2024 season, finishing with 992 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns, and 64 receptions.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who was drafted eighth overall in 2024, has expressed hope that Mooney will be back by Week 1 of the 2025 season. However, Penix admitted that he was not certain about Mooney's Week 1 return, as reported by Josh Kendall of The Athletic.
The Falcons are closely monitoring Mooney's recovery, but an exact return date has not been set. The team's preseason focus has been on controlled practice reps for Penix Jr., preserving his health for the regular season while evaluating depth at other positions.
Atlanta's preseason has been challenging, with a 17-10 preseason loss to the Detroit Lions. The game was suspended in the fourth quarter due to Lions safety Morice Noris' head injury. Michael Penix Jr. did not play in the Falcons' preseason opener and will also sit out the upcoming preseason matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
The absence of Mooney in the preseason has opened opportunities for younger receivers to gain additional reps in camp. Mooney played alongside wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts in Atlanta's passing attack, and his potential return could provide a significant boost to their early-season plans.
Atlanta will close out its preseason against the Dallas Cowboys before opening the regular season at home in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Whether Darnell Mooney will be cleared by Week 1 remains uncertain, but Michael Penix Jr.'s prediction offers a positive signal for the Falcons' offense.
Darnell Mooney's potential return could influence the Atlanta Falcons' NFL American-football strategy, given his crucial role in their passing attack last season. If he manages to recover in time, he might draft a significant boost to the team's plans, especially alongside Drake London and Kyle Pitts. However, the exact draft day of Mooney's return remains unclear, adding a layer of uncertainty to the Falcons' preseason and Week 1 NFL plans.
