Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney will be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a shoulder injury, the team announced Friday night.
The injury occurred during the Falcons’ first open practice of training camp on Thursday. Mooney was attempting to catch a deep pass from rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during an 11-on-11 drill when he landed hard on his shoulder. He left the field with a trainer and did not return to practice. No immediate update was provided following the incident, as head coach Raheem Morris addressed the media before practice.
In response to Mooney’s injury, the Falcons reportedly signed wide receiver DJ Chark on Friday evening. The signing was reported prior to the public announcement of Mooney’s condition.
Mooney is entering his second year with Atlanta and sixth season in the NFL overall. He previously played four seasons with the Chicago Bears, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Last season, Mooney started all but one game for Atlanta, recording 64 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 15.5 yards per catch and 62 receiving yards per game. His only missed game was in Week 18 against the Carolina Panthers due to a shoulder injury. It remains unclear if his current injury involves the same shoulder.
With Mooney out, Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud III are listed as starting wide receivers for Atlanta. Key reserves include KhaDarel Hodge, Casey Washington, and Jamal Agnew.
The Falcons are scheduled for back-to-back practices over the weekend. Their first preseason game is set for August 8 against the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (https://www.mercedesbenzstadium.com/).
“Mooney was hurt Thursday during the Falcons’ first open practice of training camp when he dove to catch a deep pass from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during 11-on-11 work.”
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