Injured Falcons star provides much-needed hope for team ahead of Week 1

"It's a game-time decision," Mooney said on Thursday, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. "Got some things we got to look at at the end of the week, but like I said, I'm feeling good."

Darnell Mooney a big part of Atlanta Falcons' plans for 2025

The Buccaneers have won the NFC South four seasons in a row now, so this is a big-time season-opening game for the Falcons if they want to take the division for the first time since 2016.

Having a healthy Mooney will be huge for the Falcons and their young quarterback in Penix, who barely got any preseason reps with the former Chicago Bears fifth-round pick. Last season, he caught 64 passes for 992 yards and a career-high five touchdown catches. He was second on the team in receiving behind Drake London, so he projects to be a big part of Atlanta's offense.

Penix Jr. played in just five games as a rookie, so he'll need all the help he can get in 2025 as he looks to turn himself into a full-time NFL starting quarterback. Having chemistry with a WR2 like Mooney can be a big help, and for what it's worth, Mooney does feel something there even with the limited preseason reps.

"Connection feels good," Mooney said. "We had a lot of work this offseason. We communicate a lot, too, talk [to each other], and yeah, I feel like everything's smooth."

Heading into Week 1, that's a little dose of hope for the Falcons, who are looking to improve on an 8-9 season in 2024.