Falcons, Buccaneers Key Players Inactive for 2025 Season Opener

The Atlanta Falcons will start their 2025 NFL season hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without one of their key wide receivers, Darnell Mooney, who is inactive due to a right shoulder injury sustained during training camp. Mooney, who had a career-high five touchdowns last year, has been limited in practice and missed the entire preseason, prompting the Falcons to hold him out for the opener. With Mooney sidelined, Atlanta will rely heavily on wide receiver Drake London, slot receiver Ray-Ray McCloud, and backups KhaDarel Hodge and Casey Washington, while also looking to running back Bijan Robinson to boost their offense. On the other side, the Buccaneers will also miss several key players including offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, wide receiver Chris Godwin, and defensive backs Christian Izien and Benjamin Morrison, though defensive tackle Vita Vea is expected to play. Both teams face significant roster challenges in this divisional opener, which is seen as a critical game for the Falcons to overcome past struggles and for the Buccaneers to start strong in their 50th season. The Falcons have also bolstered their defense with two first-round draft picks in hopes of improving their pass rush and overall competitiveness this season.