The Atlanta Falcons have entered training camp with high hopes this season. But just days into camp, the Falcons have already hit a snag.
Per ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, Falcons’ WR Darnell Mooney sustained an injury to his shoulder and is expected to miss some time.
With the injury to Mooney, the Falcons didn’t wait to react.
They signed veteran WR DJ Chark. A move that gives insurance and also more stability at the wide receiver position.
With a young quarterback and a new direction, the Falcons are a hungry team looking to make noise this season.
Falcons’ Move Quickly After Mooney Injury
The Atlanta Falcons wasted no time once WR Darnell Mooney went down with his injury.
Mooney will miss time, but how much time remains to be seen.
Atlanta moved quickly to lock in former Los Angeles Chargers WR DJ Chark, per NFL Insider Ian Rappaport.
Chark, now 29, actually contemplated retirement this offseason but now finds himself in a pivotal role in Flowery Branch.
The 6’3″, 200-pound wideout brings size, speed and experience to the Falcons.
After a 2024 campaign that was largely plagued with injury, Chark has an opportunity in front of him to shed the injuries and tap back into the numbers he was putting up in 2020.
All eyes now turn to the injury Mooney sustained.
Mooney is among one of the top weapons for QB Michael Penix.
His ability to stretch the field and his after-the-catch ability is key to a Falcons’ offense looking to sustain success.
Losing Mooney, even for a short term, will put pressure on the Falcons offense.
The singing of Chark helps, but it also hints that the Falcons need reinforcements ahead of a crucial 2025 season.
Offensive Weapons Key For Penix
Falcons QB Michael Penix is stepping into his first major spotlight.
Now the Falcons’ unquestioned starter, much of the Falcons’ 2025 season success will ride on his arm.
Penix has the tools to be successful, but no young quarterback can survive in the NFL alone.
He’ll need his offensive weapons to succeed, fast.
The Falcons already have their go-to guy in WR Drake London, big-framed TE Kyle Pitts and RB Bijan Robinson, shoring up the offensive backfield.
Now, with DJ Chark added into the mix as added depth and once Mooney returns from injury, the Falcons appear to have their weapons in line.
Atlanta’s offense will need to start hot. Every game matters and every catch counts.
And with Mooney now out, the Falcons can’t afford any more setbacks.
Penix has been praised so far this offseason, but it won’t matter if his offensive pass-catchers can’t sustain success, or stay healthy.
Adding Chark was a smart move and a necessary one.
Although Mooney has an injury, there is a silver-lining that exists.
Once Mooney returns, the Falcons could have some serious threats that could challenge many NFL defenses.
Additionally, it is also a dream for a young quarterback looking to leave his mark.
Atlanta has built their season around change.
They have dealt with the Kirk Cousins debacle, handed the keys to Penix and brought in new faces.
They are now betting on all of that change to come to fruition.
But in the NFL, those bets only pay off when all the pieces stay on the field.
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