Sep 01, 2025
Today, a little less than a week before the opening day regular season game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris addressed the press. Here are the key points noted at Flowery Branch this Labor Day…
- Darnell Mooney is “day-to-day”, and he participated in the team’s jog-throughs today with the team. Morris says he feels good about where Mooney currently is. He is not yet confirmed to be joining the team this Sunday, as they have not deemed him “game-ready.”
- The outside zone will be their “bread and butter”, but they will change up their offense.
- Elijah Wilkinson will be filling Kaleb McGary and Storm Norton role at right tackle in Week 1.
- Jalon Walker is expected to play in Week 1.
- Four rookies will play in Week 1: Jalon Walker, James Pearce, Xavier Watts, and Billy Bowman.
- Facing the Bucs on Week 1: “We have to go find a way to win a football game. Whatever it takes,” said Morris.
Photo credit: Atlanta Falcons
Also announced today: the Falcons’ Team Captains this year: Jessie Bates III, Kaden Elliss, Bradley Pinion, Michael Penix Jr., Chris Lindstrom, Jake Mathews.
This is the first time QB Penix Jr., LB Elliss, and Punter Pinion have been selected to wear the Captain patch on their jerseys. The others were awarded the honor multiple times: OL Lindstrom, twice (also 2023); OL Mathews, five times (2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021), and safety Bates, 3 times (2024 and 2023).
Captains are voted on by the team.
