The Atlanta Falcons will be affected by the absence of one of their most important receivers in the short term.
Darnell Mooney, due to a shoulder injury, will be out of action for several weeks, according to the team’s announcement on Friday night.
During Thursday’s first preseason practice, Mooney dove to catch a deep pass from Michael Penix Jr. down the right sideline. After the play, he remained on the ground for a few seconds before getting up. He later left the field accompanied by a trainer, without returning.
Since he was signed by Atlanta in the 2024 offseason, coming from the Chicago Bears, Mooney has been the team’s second wide receiver, behind Drake London.
Mooney, 27, had 106 receptions for 992 yards and a personal best of five touchdowns last year.
On Friday, the Falcons signed free agent wide receiver DJ Chark, who recently played with the Los Angeles Chargers. Chark, selected in the second round of the 2018 draft, brings speed and experience. He has 51 career starts and has played for four different teams.
Chark, 28, is likely to join London and Ray-Ray McCloud III as starters while Mooney is out, although KhaDarel Hodge and Casey Washington could also get opportunities.
