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Critical piece of Falcons offense dubbed game time decision

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 9:05 AM ET

The Falcons don’t have too many question marks in the injury department leading up to Week 1.

Kaleb McGary was ruled out for the season last week, and his backup Storm Norton is also out with an ankle injury. Other than that, Jalon Walker will play after dealing with a groin injury, and the only player up in the air is Darnell Mooney, who dubbed himself a “game time decision.”

Darnell Mooney says he's "feeling great" but uncertain of his status for Sunday against the Bucs. "We will see. It’s a game time decision, got some things we’ve got to look at at the end of the week." Mooney was dealing with soreness and stiffness, he said.

— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) September 4, 2025

Mooney injured his shoulder during the first practice of training camp. He’s since returned to the practice field, and the hope is he’ll be ready to go by Sunday.

Atlanta’s offense could certainly use him. Mooney had a breakout campaign in the first year of a three-year, $39 million contract that he signed with the Falcons last offseason, hauling in 64 catches for nearly 1,000 yards and five scores. Three of those touchdowns came in two games against the Bucs — the Falcons Week 1 opponent — as he averaged almost 100 yards receiving per game.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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