The Atlanta Falcons are preparing for their Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills with several players dealing with injuries. Starting cornerback A.J. Terrell, who has missed two games due to a hamstring injury, told reporters on Thursday that he expects to play this week. He was listed as limited in Friday’s practice.
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney missed his second straight practice as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Head coach Raheem Morris described Mooney’s status as “day-to-day” earlier in the week. Although Mooney was seen at practice catching passes while wearing a helmet, his “did not participate” designation indicates he did not take part in any regular practice reps. His availability for Monday’s game remains uncertain.
Two rookies, Billy Bowman Jr. and Xavier Watts, appeared on Friday’s injury report with knee and ankle issues respectively. Both were limited in practice.
The Falcons’ full participation list for Friday included running back Nathan Carter (hamstring) and defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham (calf). Limited participants were wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (groin), cornerback A.J. Terrell (hamstring), cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (knee), cornerback Natrone Brooks (concussion/shoulder), defensive lineman LaCale London (triceps), and safety Xavier Watts (ankle). Wide receiver Darnell Mooney (hamstring) and cornerback Clark Phillips III (triceps/illness) did not participate.
“Terrell told reporters in the locker room Thursday that he is fully expecting to play Monday, returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for two games.”
“Mooney, on the other hand, was held out for his second consecutive practice as he nurses a hamstring injury himself. Head coach Raheem Morris considered Mooney ‘day-to-day’ when asked about his status earlier in the week. And though it was reported Mooney was spotted at practice catching passes with a helmet on, a ‘did not participate’ designation means Mooney took zero percent of his normal practice reps.”
His status for Monday’s game remains one of the biggest questions for the Falcons heading into the weekend.
