The Atlanta Falcons desperately needed a win in Week 4 after getting shut out by the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. They ended up getting just that, as they won a thrilling 34-27 contest against the Washington Commanders on Sunday to push their record back to 2-2 on the season.
Winning is always great, but the Falcons didn’t manage to escape this contest unscathed. One player who suffered an injury was wide receiver Darnell Mooney, as he reportedly hurt his hamstring. However, in the wake of the game, the team has gotten an encouraging report on his status that will surely make fans happy.
Darnell Mooney Not Expected to Miss Time for Falcons with Hamstring Injury
Entering the 2025 campaign, the Falcons knew it was going to take some time for their offense to come together. While Michael Penix Jr. was made the team’s starting quarterback late last season, he only started three games, meaning this is still really his rookie year in a way. Still, Atlanta has enough talent around him to compete on a weekly basis.
Running back Bijan Robinson is one of the most talented players in the league, and he has a strong partner-in-crime, Tyler Allgeier, working alongside him. Drake London is a de facto No. 1 wide receiver, with Mooney emerging as a perfect complement alongside him. And at tight end, Kyle Pitts is hoping to finally turn himself into the star the Falcons were hoping he’d become when they selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Against the Commanders, things came together for Penix under center, even though Mooney was battling a hamstring injury. While his status is worth monitoring moving forward, Atlanta will enjoy their bye week in Week 5, giving Mooney ample time to get back on the field, and it sounds like the team isn’t expecting him to miss time with this ailment.
Falcons WR Darnell Mooney suffered a hamstring injury yesterday in Atlanta’s win, but with the bye coming up, it’s likely that he doesn’t have to miss any games, sources say,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported in a post on X.
Falcons Aiming to Get Healthy During Their Bye Week
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 03: Darnell Mooney #1 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a touchdown reception against Zyon McCollum #27 and Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 03, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
For the most part, the Falcons‘ key players have managed to stay healthy through four games, and having an early bye week will allow them the opportunity to rest up before finishing the year off with 13 straight games. The week off has certainly come at a good time for Mooney, as it gives him an opportunity to rest up and get ready for the rest of the season.
When Atlanta does return to the field in Week 6, it will have a tough matchup on its hands, as it will be taking on the currently undefeated Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. However, if Mooney and the rest of the offense are healthy and on the field, the Falcons could give the Bills a run for their money. First, the team will enjoy some time off, and when they eventually return to action, Mooney is expected to be on the field with the rest of his teammates.
Falcons Get Big Update on Injury to WR Darnell Mooney