The Atlanta Falcons enter their Week 2 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings with renewed optimism in their passing attack. After dealing with injury concerns throughout training camp and the season opener, Atlanta’s receiving corps is finally approaching full strength.
The spotlight falls squarely on Darnell Mooney, whose return could transform the Falcons’ offensive capabilities against a Vikings defense that allowed significant production to wide receivers in 2024.
Is Darnell Mooney Playing Against the Minnesota Vikings?
The Falcons confirmed Friday that Mooney is cleared for Week 2 after dealing with a shoulder injury that sidelined him since the opening day of training camp. He practiced fully to close the week and will make his 2025 season debut when Atlanta visits Minnesota on Sunday Night Football.
The veteran receiver’s return provides quarterback Kirk Cousins with another reliable target in what promises to be a high-stakes primetime matchup.
Getting Darnell Mooney back this week will be big for Atlanta’s offense.
Last season against the Vikings Mooney had 6 receptions for 142 yards.
Below are all 7 of his targets from the game. pic.twitter.com/zTVAtXv4JV
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) September 12, 2025
Atlanta also welcomed back Drake London, who was listed as a full participant on Friday and carries no injury designation despite dealing with a shoulder concern that forced him out of the Week 1 loss to Tampa Bay.
London’s availability alongside Mooney solidifies the Falcons’ receiving corps around Cousins, as Atlanta continues integrating its retooled passing game following an offseason that saw significant investment in offensive weapons.
The Falcons did make roster moves elsewhere to address depth concerns. Safety Jordan Fuller was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, sidelining him for at least four games. In response, Atlanta signed wide receiver David Sills V to the active roster and elevated kicker Parker Romo from the practice squad.
These moves reflect the team’s need for depth and special-teams stability heading into their first primetime appearance of the 2025 campaign.
What Does Mooney’s Return Mean for Atlanta’s Offense?
Mooney’s speed creates vertical threats that complement London’s physical presence on the outside. With both starting receivers healthy, the Falcons can fully implement their balanced offensive scheme, utilizing running back Bijan Robinson in the ground game while Mooney and London open up passing lanes for Cousins.
The combination gives Atlanta multiple ways to attack Minnesota’s secondary, which allowed significant production to opposing receivers throughout 2024.
The veteran receiver brings proven production to the field, having recorded 64 receptions for 992 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in 2024. His ability to create separation on intermediate and deep routes provides Cousins with another reliable outlet beyond London, who led the team with 15 targets in the season opener despite the shoulder concern.
Tight end Kyle Pitts remains a focal point in the red zone, but Mooney’s return adds another dimension to Atlanta’s passing attack.
Defensively, the Falcons will need to adjust without Fuller anchoring the secondary, but head coach Raheem Morris has emphasized the “next man up” mentality across the defense. The expectation is that backups will rotate more heavily while the offense tries to establish early momentum against a Vikings team coming off a comeback victory over Chicago in Week 1.
For Minnesota, the focus remains on containing Justin Jefferson, who headlines an attack designed to support rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in his first home start. Jefferson’s presence means Atlanta’s corners will face constant pressure.
With Mooney and London both active, the Falcons’ offense should be equipped to counter with firepower of their own in what promises to be an entertaining Sunday Night Football matchup.
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Kickoff is set for Sunday, September 14, at 8:20 p.m. ET at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, with the game broadcast on NBC. With Mooney cleared, London active, and Robinson anchoring the ground game, Atlanta’s offense looks closer to full strength than it has since training camp began.
The absence of Fuller on defense remains a concern, but the Falcons’ depth at receiver is set, and Mooney’s presence ensures Minnesota will have to account for Atlanta’s vertical threat from the opening snap.
