Daniel Flick

Michael Penix Jr. signing autographs before his third MFL start for the #Falcons.

Falcons Scrapped Original Michael Penix Jr. Plan. Their Future Came Early The Atlanta Falcons have thrown out the initial development plan they had for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. amidst his elevation to the starting role.

The #Falcons were forced to throw out their original Michael Penix Jr. plan.

That doesn't change their tactics for Penix's development, and ATL trusts Penix as its franchise QB.

On the future of Penix, "the lifeline of what the Falcons are going to be."
www.si.com/nfl/falcons/...

Falcons Injury Report: Darnell Mooney Game-Time Decision vs. Panthers FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons have delivered their final injury report leading into Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.

Darnell Mooney (shoulder) did not practice today and is a game-time decision Sunday against the Panthers, per Rahem Morris.

"He's a tough guy, so nothing would shock me if he did play," Morris said.

Full story + injury report:
www.si.com/nfl/falcons/...

Drake London is now a 1,000-yard receiver for the #Falcons.

Falcons inactives:

RB Carlos Washington Jr.
ILB Rashaan Evans
DL Brandon Dorlus
OL Elijah Wilkinson
T Brandon Parker
WR Casey Washington (concussion)

For the Raiders, QB Aidan O’Connell (knee) is OUT, meaning Desmond Ridder will start.

The Falcons say Michael Penix Jr. has progressed well -- and they're committed to their development plan.

"You can look at different organizations that's pulled the trigger & put guys out there too early & it's gone terrible. I don't want to be that guy."
www.si.com/nfl/falcons/...

How Falcons Breathed Life into 'Non-Existent' Pass Rush From dormant to lively, how the Atlanta Falcons flipped the switch on their pass rush.

The #Falcons’ pass rush:

First 11 games: 10 sacks
Last two games: nine sacks

What changed?

More one-on-one wins, minor tweaks and increased involvement from Raheem Morris during the bye week self-scout.

Dive in depth:
www.si.com/nfl/falcons/...

Falcons injury report:

Only one player — WR KhaDarel Hodge (neck) — did not participate.

Lengthy list of limited participants, including WR Darnell Mooney, a trio of linebackers and two starting DBs.

Some Raheem Morris press conference notes from today:

- #Falcons want to run more play action post-bye than they did before.
- No injury updates yet; will come Wednesday
- Morris liked the progress made in run defense, but wants much more rushing the passer
- Jim Harbaugh-led teams are always tough

Thanks Ashleigh!

Inside Darnell Mooney's Falcons Resurgence As smart as an offensive coordinator yet as vocal and controlling as a quarterback, Atlanta Falcons receiver Darnell Mooney brings more than just savvy routes.

Darnell Mooney has revitalized his career in Atlanta.

The Falcons invested in Mooney this spring despite two down years in Chicago. Mooney's rewarded their faith.

Inside Mooney's return to prominence, from his on-field savvy to his off-field brilliance:

www.si.com/nfl/falcons/...

Inbox:

Former Falcons WR Mohamed Sanu, LB Sean Witherspoon and WR Christian Blake will be sleeping outside the Covenant House tonight in support of the thousands of young people experiencing homelessness in metro Atlanta.

5 Falcons Exceeding Expectations at Bye Week These five Atlanta Falcons have outperformed their preseason perceptions through the season's first 11 games.

Darnell Mooney ...

From 2022-23 in Chicago:
71 catches, 908 yards, three TDs

Through 11 games with the Falcons:
48 catches, team-high 711 yards, five TDs

Mooney tops the list of #Falcons outperforming preseason expectations thus far:
www.si.com/nfl/falcons/...

Good to see you, Ashleigh!

Thanks Tre’Shon!

Grading Falcons Rookies at Bye Week: What's Michael Penix Jr. Earn? From quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to defensive tackle Zion Logue, a full rundown - with grades and analysis - of the Atlanta Falcons' rookies through 10 games.

Talking Falcons rookies …

From inconclusive Bralen Trice to early inactivity from Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus, a deep dive on Atlanta’s crop of first-year players:
www.si.com/nfl/falcons/...

Atlanta Falcons Could Get 2 Defenders Back After Bye Week The Atlanta Falcons may get a pair of reinforcements to their defense by way of injured players returning to full health after the bye week.

#Falcons expecting rookie DL Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle) back from injured reserve shortly after the bye week, though he’s required to to miss the Chargers game.

Less clarity on DB DeMarcco Hellams (ankle), but Raheem Morris is confident he’s getting closer.
www.si.com/nfl/falcons/...