The Atlanta Falcons have a daunting task in front of them. The loss of wide receiver Darnell Mooney for a long period due to the shoulder injury he sustained in camp follows suit. Last year Mooney broke out, logging an incredible 106 receptions for 992 yards and a career-high five touchdowns. On the third play of the team’s first practice, he dove for a deep pass from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and left practice on a cart. He left the field under the care of a trainer and did not return, leaving his status in question for the next few weeks.
Mooney, 27, has emerged as an important weapon for the Falcons. The club originally signed him from the Chicago Bears during the 2024 offseason. In Atlanta, he served as the team’s No. 2 wide receiver, helping to free up Drake London. This season, he was supposed to lead the way. With Mooney now out, the Falcons have an interesting task on their hands. They’ll need to expand on that to build out their returning depth chart at WR.
As to Mooney’s injury, the Falcons signed veteran wide receiver DJ Chark earlier this week. Chark, 28, has bounced around the league but has experience on his side. He’s only started 51 games in his decade-long career, spending time as a back-up on four different teams. Most notably, he recently played with the Los Angeles Chargers, as a second-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. His signing is considered a pivotal step to keep depth at the position until Mooney heals.
Chark figures to line up with London and Ray-Ray McCloud III as the starting wideouts while Mooney is out. For now, the Falcons will turn to KhaDarel Hodge and Casey Washington for increased opportunities. That should go a long way in helping them establish the best top-tier receiving corps as we continue into training camp.
Losing Mooney creates one of the biggest hurdles the Falcons will have to overcome as they get ready for the 2023 season. As Coach Woody said about making plays in the moment, it’s a big moment.
“Falcons better be able to deliver when it matters.” – Woody
As training camp progresses, all eyes will be on how the Falcons adapt to this setback and how players like Chark can integrate into the offense effectively. The entire franchise will be looking for Mooney to make a speedy recovery. They certainly need him back on the field to help drive their ambitions in the upcoming 2018 NFL season.
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