FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Falcons News Now is your go-to source for the real stories coming out of Flowery Branch each week. We're providing a one-stop shop for you to browse through all Falcons-related news at the end of every week of the 2025 season — who's winning reps, who's earning trust and what's happening in and around your favorite team.
From roster move analysis, practice intel, big-play highlights and so much more, this isn't just the news you need, it's what shapes Sundays in Atlanta.
Ultimately, if something matters to this locker room, it makes this newsletter.
So, if you eat, sleep and breathe Falcons football? This is your inside edge — every update, every storyline, all in one place. And this week? We're officially kicking off the 2025 season.
The News, Now
Key developments on the field and roster move analysis
The main bulk of news coming out of Flowery Branch this week had to do with starting lineup news and injury developments.
For starters (no pun intended), the Falcons named Elijah Wilkinson their starting right tackle to begin the 2025 season. As a reminder, Kaleb McGary is out for the year, while Storm Norton has a chance to return after the team's Week 5 bye. Asked about stepping into a starting role, Wilkinson said he's prepared.
"I've been in this role before," Wilkinson said. "It's go time for me. You never want to see anybody go down, but that's an opportunity for me to step up."
Meanwhile, wide receiver Darnell Mooney is working back from a shoulder injury that kept him off the field for the preseason's entirety. The Falcons are being careful with his return, with Raheem Morris saying earlier in the week that he was day-to-day. Speaking with local media for the first time since the injury occurred, Mooney confirmed he injured the same shoulder that kept him out of 2024's season finale in January. He also said that he will be a "game-time decision" this Sunday against the Bucs.
This tracks with how the Falcons have handled his reps throughout the week with their injury reports, which you can click through below.
Wednesday, Sept. 3: WR Darnell Mooney 'day-to-day' to start Week 1
Thursday, Sept. 4: Team rests key starters A.J. Terrell, Ray-Ray McCloud
Friday, Sept. 5: Game report; Darnell Mooney questionable, DeMarcco Hellams ruled out
This week's Nerdy Birds stat spotlight zeroed in on Drake London's performances throughout his career against Tampa Bay, which is pretty darn good to say the least.
"Through six meetings over the course of his first three seasons, London has tallied 569 yards on 42 receptions with one touchdown. Since 2022, the California native has had the most yards and receptions of any player against the Buccaneers. Additionally, three of London's six career 100-yard games have come against Tampa Bay."
In this week's mailbag submissions, Tori McElhaney and Will McFadden answered fan questions about the state of the Falcons heading into Week 1 of the season.
Falcons Mailbag, No. 1, via Tori McElhaney: What could Tyler Allgeier's workload look like? What will the Falcons do if/when Storm Norton returns? And how will Jalon Walker's role really manifest?
Falcons Mailbag, No. 2, via Will McFadden: Who could be the biggest x-factor this Sunday? What does the growth of young players do for the defense? How tough is the early part of the Falcons' 2025 schedule?
Fan Zone Highlights
Tweets, videos and podcasts you may have missed
We've introduced a new in-season show to our podcast channel this week! It's called the Friday Five. Make sure and check it out every Friday morning to get you ready for a fun football weekend ahead. New episodes dropping weekly on the Atlanta Falcons Youtube channel or wherever you get your podcasts.
As the week began, Taylor Vismor hosted a roundtable discussion about the state of the Falcons organization with Dave Archer, Tori McElhaney and D.J. Shockley. They discussed a wide range of topics from the Falcons high-expectations offense and new-look defense to get you prepared for what lies ahead for Atlanta.
Check out that conversation below. And remember to tune in an hour before the game to the Atlanta Falcons pregame show hosted by Taylor Vismor and Derek Rackley on the Atlanta Falcons Youtube channel.
In the Nest
Behind-the-scenes stories, locker room insight into team culture
Voted on by the team, six individuals were named the Falcons' team captains for the 2025 season this week. They will don captain patches on their uniforms every week, with stars indicating the years they've been a captain for Atlanta.
Meanwhile, Falcons players and coaches know what's at stake this week with Tampa Bay coming to town. The prevailing point for Atlanta personnel this week? Do "whatever it takes" to beat the Bucs this Sunday.
"We've got to come in with that right mindset," Michael Penix Jr. said. "To come in to make sure that we dominate from the start of the game all the way to the finish and do whatever it takes to make sure that we come out on top."
Game Day Intel
Upcoming match previews and predictions
Falcons depth chart released for Week 1 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Who do the experts have taking the win Sunday? Terrin Waack has got you covered with a comprehensive list in this week's Expert Picks.
Stats and milestones brought to you by StatsPerform:
- Bijan Robinson (34 games played) is 82 receiving yards and 68 rushing yards shy of becoming the fastest Falcon to record 2,500 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards (William Andrews – 38 games). Robinson has 18 career games with 100+ scrimmage yards, tied with Saquon Barkley for the highest total in the NFL since he was drafted in 2023.
- Each of the last four games between the Falcons and Bucs have been decided by six points or fewer. It's the first time in the history of the matchup (63 games) that four straight games have been decided by single digits.
- Since the start of 2022, the Falcons are 6-3 (.667) in home divisional games, scoring at least 24 points in all nine games. It's Atlanta's longest streak of home divisional games scoring 24 or more points in franchise history.
Take a look at our best shots from week one practice ahead of the Sunday home opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts #31 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 and Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. #8 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 and Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. #8 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. #8 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 and Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Divine Deablo #0 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. #33 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts #31 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker #11 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 and Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver David Sills V #87 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion #13 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker #11 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jack Nelson #69 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running backs huddle during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive backs huddle during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
