The Atlanta Falcons have announced their inactive player list for Sunday’s season finale against the Carolina Panthers, indicating key absences for the pivotal matchup. Six players will not suit up, most prominently wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who is sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
Mooney, who was inching close to the significant milestone of 1,000 receiving yards for the season, will finish the 2024 campaign with 992 yards, just eight shy of the mark. This would have marked his second career 1,000-yard season, having achieved it previously with the Chicago Bears.
Joining Mooney on the inactive list are rookie defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus, cornerback Kevin King, and linebacker JD Bertrand. Offensive linemen Elijah Wilkinson and Brandon Parker are also out for the game. Dorlus is out due to abdominal issues, Bertrand is sidelined with an eye injury, King has been struggling with injuries as well, and both Wilkinson and Parker are key contributors along the line who will not participate.
The Falcons, with their record standing at 8-8, are still clinging to slim playoff hopes. They require not only a victory against the Panthers, who come with a record of 4-12, but also need the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to lose to the New Orleans Saints to secure their first NFC South title since 2016.
Sunday's game is set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The absence of Mooney will shift the focus of the Atlanta passing game to other receivers, primarily Drake London, Ray-Ray McCloud III, tight end Kyle Pitts, and running back Bijan Robinson.
Head coach Arthur Smith has acknowledged Mooney's contribution throughout the season. Despite his injuries, Mooney has consistently been described as energetic and smart, demonstrating competitiveness and leadership throughout the season. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson praised Mooney's impact, noting his cerebral approach, calling him one of the most competitive players on the team.
“He’s been nothing but just a great guy to be around every single day,” Robinson said. “Brings a ton of energy to practice. Just how cerebral he is for a receiver—it’s a testimony to the work he’s put in dating back to the spring.”
With Mooney and several other pivotal players out, the Falcons face additional pressure as they step onto the field against the Panthers. Notable impacts also extend to the Panthers, who will have their own set of inactive players, including cornerback Jaycee Horn, wide receiver Velus Jones, and quarterback Jack Plummer as their third-string QB. The Falcons’ defense will have to be alert to contend with offensive strategies without being able to rely on some key personnel.
Despite the challenge, the Falcons will aim to capitalize on the home-field advantage. This final game of the season offers more than just statistics; it's also about pride, squad cohesion, and demonstrating the growth they've shown this year. The Falcons are determined to end the season on a high note, hoping not just for survival but for resurgence as they look to the next NFL season.
Overall, these factors contribute to the intensity surrounding the season finale—where each player who does take the field will look to step up and fill the gap left by absent teammates. The circumstances add layers to the drama of this concluding chapter of the NFL season for all teams involved.