Ought to Fantasy Managers Draft the Falcons WR?

The NFL preseason is rolling, and fantasy soccer managers are specializing in each camp growth as drafts method. Darnell Mooney suffered a shoulder harm on the very begin of coaching camp and has but to return to apply. With the season simply weeks away, uncertainty and confusion now encompass his standing in Atlanta. What’s his outlook for Week 1, and who may gain advantage if Mooney stays sidelined?

Darnell Mooney Harm Replace

Darnell Mooney injured his shoulder diving for a go throughout the Falcons’ first camp session in late July. Preliminary reviews recommended a multi-week absence, however by mid-August, he nonetheless had not returned to drills. The dearth of concrete updates has fueled hypothesis, and head coach Raheem Morris did little to make clear the state of affairs in his newest information convention.

Morris stated, “Type of simply ready and rolling. It’s form of a week-to-week foundation. I really feel optimistic about getting him again wholesome and ready. When? I’m not sure. Nonetheless, we could have him again in good condition this yr.” The truth that Morris wouldn’t decide to Mooney being prepared for Week 1 raises actual questions concerning the severity of the harm and the receiver’s early-season outlook.

Raheem Morris on Darnell Mooney’s shoulder: “Type of simply ready and rolling. Type of a week-to-week foundation. I really feel optimistic about getting him again wholesome and able to go. When? I don’t know.”

— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) August 12, 2025

Mooney is entrenched because the clear WR2 behind Drake London following a powerful 2024 marketing campaign. His absence for any size of time will complicate issues for brand spanking new beginning quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and a receiving corps already skinny behind its high two choices.

Darnell Mooney Fantasy Outlook

If Mooney misses time, there isn’t any apparent subsequent man up on the Atlanta depth chart. Ray-Ray McCloud, who principally profiles as a return specialist, may see extra offensive snaps, whereas veteran additions like DJ Chark and under-the-radar names equivalent to Nick Nash and Khadarel Hodge may compete for additional routes. Nonetheless, none provide assured manufacturing, making the state of affairs murky for fantasy managers in search of a right away Mooney alternative.

As a substitute, the most important fantasy worth bump may land with operating again Bijan Robinson, who may even see an uptick in targets, and tight finish Kyle Pitts, who may lastly get away if additional seems to be are funneled his manner. Robinson’s confirmed receiving abilities make him a sharper PPR play, whereas Pitts stays a high-ceiling however risky tight finish choice, particularly early within the yr.

Whereas London’s alpha standing is safe, Mooney’s harm clouds the fantasy outlook for all different Atlanta go catchers. For now, method the Falcons’ secondary receivers as dart throws. Prioritize Robinson when you’ve got an early first-round choose. Pitts may very well be value a late-round flyer. Count on extra updates from Morris and the workforce as Week 1 approaches.

If you happen to’re drafting quickly, be cautious with Mooney till a firmer timeline is established, and keep watch over Atlanta’s camp notes to see if any sleeper emerges as a shock goal chief.