Atlanta Falcons WR Darnell Mooney suffers a shoulder injury at 2025 training camp. With his Week 1 status in doubt, the team signs veteran D.J. Chark Jr.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just as the pads came on, the Atlanta Falcons were dealt their first significant blow of the 2025 season. The team announced Wednesday that wide receiver Darnell Mooney, a key offensive weapon, will be sidelined for 'several weeks' with a shoulder injury sustained in practice, putting his Week 1 availability in serious doubt. In a swift response, the front office signed veteran wideout D.J. Chark Jr. to fill the void, immediately shaking up the offensive depth chart and raising the stakes for training camp.
He's going to be out a few weeks. Hopefully we get him back for Week 1.
The loss of Darnell Mooney, who was the team's second-leading receiver in 2024, is a tough pill to swallow. Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed the 'few weeks' timeline but remained hopeful for a season-opener return. To plug the hole, the Falcons brought in 29-year-old D.J. Chark Jr. While Assistant GM Kyle Smith noted the workout was scheduled before Mooney's injury, the timing couldn't be more critical. Chark is looking for a fresh start after a quiet 2024 with the Chargers where he had just 4 catches, but his 6'4" frame offers a different dimension. His ability to quickly learn Zac Robinson's offense will determine if he's a temporary patch or a legitimate contributor.
Mooney isn't the only Falcon being handled with care. The team is taking a deliberately cautious approach with several key players. Tight end Kyle Pitts (foot) and right tackle Kaleb McGary (ankle), both in crucial contract years, are being eased back into full-speed drills. The injury list also includes promising rookie CB Cobee Bryant (non-football illness) and linebacker Troy Andersen, who remains on the PUP list with a knee injury. Coach Morris has been clear: the goal is to have everyone healthy for the regular season, even if it means managing reps carefully through the grind of camp.
With his number two receiver sidelined and his star tight end on a pitch count, the pressure mounts for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Entering his first full season as the undisputed starter, Penix is tasked with building chemistry on the fly. After taking over for Kirk Cousins late last season and posting 737 yards, 3 TDs, and 3 INTs in three starts, this camp is vital for his development. The return of a healthy Kyle Pitts, who posted a career-best 4 touchdowns in 2024, is paramount. The team is optimistic about his fit in the new scheme, but his connection with Penix needs reps to flourish.
While the offense navigates injuries, the defense is finally getting physical. The Falcons held their first padded practice, and the intensity was palpable. This is where the real evaluation begins, especially for the team's prized rookie pass rushers, Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. Drafted in the first round to revitalize a stagnant pass rush, their performance in these full-contact drills is under a microscope. Coach Morris praised the competitive atmosphere, and for a team that has heavily invested in defensive muscle, seeing the rookies get after it in the trenches is a welcome sight.
The first week of padded practices has already presented major challenges. The Falcons' depth will be tested immediately, and the front office's offseason moves are under the microscope. How the team navigates Mooney's absence, integrates D.J. Chark, and manages the health of its key veterans will set the tone for the entire preseason. All eyes are now on how the young players, particularly the rookie pass rushers, respond to the increased intensity as the team prepares for its first real test.
