Who Should I Start? Darnell Mooney or Jahmyr Gibbs

Tuesday, August 12, 10:28 AM

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is "week-to-week" and that he expects to "have him back healthy this year." Mooney injured his shoulder during the first week of training camp and appears to be at risk of missing the start of the regular season. The 27-year-old played in 16 games for Atlanta last season, recording 64 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns. If Mooney misses games, KhaDarel Hodge and DJ Chark could be in line for more regular snaps. Falcons WR1 Drake London would likely see a sizable jump in target share, as would top tight end Kyle Pitts.

Tuesday, July 29, 6:30 PM

The Athletic's Colton Pouncy points out that "one thing that's been clear as these practices have unfolded is that Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is usually the first back on the field with the starters." In past years, David Montgomery would often get the bulk of the first carries of the game before we'd see Gibbs. Pouncy cautions that it could be nothing to read into, but there was a clear pecking order that often translated to games. With Montgomery injured last year, Gibbs couldn't be stopped, totaling 487 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns in the final three games of the regular season. It's now Year 3 for Gibbs, and the Lions have been open about using more two-back sets with both Gibbs and Monty. In addition to being used out of the backfield, Gibbs has also lined up at receiver with Montgomery on the field. It looks like the Lions want Gibbs on the field as much as possible in 2025.