FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney sustained a shoulder injury and will miss a few weeks, the team announced Friday night.
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. It was a hard enough fall Mooney walked off the field with a trainer afterward, with his helmet in hand, and did not return. No day-of update was provided, as Falcons head coach Raheem Morris spoke before practice.
The Falcons reportedly signed wide receiver DJ Chark on Friday evening, too. News of that move came out prior to the announcement of Mooney's injury.
Mooney is entering his second season in Atlanta and sixth in the NFL. He spent the first four years of his career with the Chicago Bears, who drafted him with a fifth-round pick in 2020.
Last season, Mooney not only played but started in all but one game. He caught 64 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 15.5 yards per catch and 62 yards per game.
Mooney only missed the Falcons' Week 18 loss to the Carolina Panthers due to a shoulder injury. It is unknown whether the same shoulder has been re-injured.
Apart from Mooney, the Falcons have Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud III as starting wide receivers on the roster. Their key reserves include KhaDarel Hodge, Casey Washington and Jamal Agnew.
Atlanta has back-to-back practices on tap Saturday and Sunday. Its first preseason game is scheduled for Aug. 8 against the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Football is back as the Atlanta Falcons return to the field in Flowery Branch during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp.
