Who Should I Start? Hunter Henry or Darnell Mooney

Thursday, May 29, 1:21 PM

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) is in attendance and taking part in voluntary organized team activities this week, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. Henry was not limited in any capacity during Wednesday's session despite missing the Week 18 regular-season finale last year due to a foot injury. The 30-year-old former second-round pick (35th overall) by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2016 out of Arkansas set career-highs in catches (66), targets (97) and receiving yards (674) while scoring just twice in 16 starts for the Patriots in his fourth year with the team in 2024. Austin Hooper, who caught 45 passes a year ago, remains in town, but Henry is the team's unquestioned top pass-catching tight end, and he has strong chemistry with second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Henry should find the end more in 2025, but the addition of receiver Stefon Diggs will take away valuable targets.

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.