The Atlanta Falcons got the kind of injury boost every team craves heading into a primetime matchup.
On Friday, ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reported that Falcons’ wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney will be active this week.
That news changes a lot for the Falcons.
The Falcons walked out of week one bruised in more ways than one.
They fell 23-20 against their division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in a game that went down to the wire.
A missed field goal by Younghoe Koo handed the Falcons their first loss of the season.
Now, they get two of their best playmakers on the field at the same time to give the Falcons much-needed redemption.
London And Mooney Give Penix His Best Shot
Second-year quarterback Michael Penix came out and gave an encouraging performance against the Bucs a week ago.
Now, Penix gets his two top wideouts back on the field.
The Falcons didn’t draft Penix to dink and dunk his way down the field.
They brought him in to take shots and turn the Falcons’ passing game up a notch.
With both Drake London and Darnell Mooney active, their presence gives Penix his best weapons to make a splash.
Penix targeted London heavily in week one. London received 15 throws and caught 8 for a total of 55 yards.
Having London’s big frame and reliable hands on the field provides Penix with a needed safety net.
Moreover, Darnell Mooney enters the season as a dynamic piece of the Falcons’ offense.
There is always big-play potential when Mooney is on the field.
The Minnesota Vikings won’t make it easy, coming off a stellar week one victory on Monday Night Football.
It is another tough matchup for the Falcons, and they will need to bring their all on many fronts.
But no question, having London and Mooney back gives Penix and company their best shot.
Falcons Must Shake Week One Hangover
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 07: Younghoe Koo #6 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta can not afford to linger on last week’s loss.
They had the Bucs on their heels more than a few times throughout the game, drove the ball late and, most of all, had a significant performance from their quarterback.
The NFL doesn’t give teams time to reflect for very long.
Teams need to move on quickly and set their sights ahead to the next team on the schedule.
For the Falcons, this means a date with the Vikings on Sunday Night Football.
This game is far from just about the return of Mooney and London.
It’s about resiliance.
Can the Falcons bounce back after a gut-punching loss?
Can their stars and prized quarterback rise to the occasion and avoid starting the season 0-2?
Sunday Night Football provides the perfect stage to prove all of it.
National spotlight, reeling opponent and the pressure mounting.
Atlanta knows the script: 0-2 to start an NFL season can be a hard hole to climb out of. With Mooney and London cleared, Penix has his targets, and the Falcons have their chance.
Now they need to finish.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Falcons’ Get Injury Boost Ahead Of Primetime Matchup appeared first on Heavy Sports.