Who Should I Start? Darnell Mooney or George Pickens

Tuesday, July 29, 2:50 PM

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris "kept things a bit open-ended" about the availability of wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) for the start of the regular season, according to Tori McElhaney of Fox 5 Sports. Mooney exited the team's practice on Friday with a shoulder injury he suffered while attempting a diving catch and is expected to be re-evaluated in a few weeks. It's worrying news for the 27-year-old, who was highly productive in his first season with the Falcons in 2024. Mooney played 16 games last season, recording 64 receptions for 992 yards and four touchdowns. Atlanta is thin at wide receiver behind Mooney and Drake London, with Ray-Ray McCloud III, KhaDarel Hodge, and newly-signed DJ Chark the top candidates to get more playing time in Mooney's absence. Tight end Kyle Pitts could also be a beneficiary, as he lost targets last season due to Mooney's emergence.

Wednesday, July 23, 6:22 AM

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that wide receiver George Pickens' ability to track a deep ball is uncanny and will be utilized in various formations. "He's been great with the ability to move him around," said Schottenheimer. "To maximize him, he can't play just one spot, can't play just the X spot. We are going to move him around, as CeeDee Lamb and he need to be interchangeable." Pickens has looked explosive in camp and has even lined up on the same side as Lamb in some formations. "When he's not doubled, he's really open, Schottenheimer added. The Cowboys traded a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder to the Steelers to acquire Pickens this offseason. The 24-year-old caught 59 passes for 900 yards and three touchdowns for the Steelers last season. Pickens is currently WR30 in the latest RotoBaller rankings, but that rank could rise if he continues to have an impressive camp.