Who Should I Start? Jauan Jennings or Darnell Mooney

Tuesday, July 29, 2:59 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (calf) is "day-to-day" and his calf is "bothering him," according to the team's offensive coordinator, Klay Kubiak. Jennings left practice on Sunday due to the injury and also missed time with the same ailment earlier this offseason. The 28-year-old has also made it clear he wants a new contract, so his motivation to return to the field before an extension on his current deal is in place could be limited. Jennings had a breakout 2024 season, recording 77 catches for 975 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. His presence in San Francisco's offense is made even more critical by the absence of Brandon Aiyuk (knee), who is expected to miss the start of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL. Jennings is competing with Ricky Pearsall to be the top target earner at wide receiver for the 49ers while Aiyuk is out, but a significant stretch of missed time could impact his spot in that race.

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.