The Atlanta Falcons' offense enjoyed their best performance of the season in Week 4, but that doesn't change the reality—their wide receiver room is a massive concern. The Dirty Birds' 34-27 victory over the Washington Commanders saw Drake London log his first 100-yard game of the season, but Darnell Mooney left the game with a hamstring injury and didn't return after recording just one reception.
While London is a bona fide star, the team lacks a true vertical threat to complement his size and red-zone ability. The name that made the most sense was Dolphins star Tyreek Hill, as his track speed would have been a seamless fit in Atlanta and served as a clear upgrade over Mooney.
However, those dreams were dashed after the 31-year-old suffered a gruesome knee injury during the Phins' Week 4 victory over the Jets that saw him be carted off the field and hospitalized. It was later reported that in addition to suffering a dislocated knee, Hill tore multiple ligaments in his knee, including his ACL, ending his 2025 season.
In addition to dislocating his knee, Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill also tore multiple ligaments in his knee, including his ACL, per sources. Hill remains hospitalized and will undergo surgery today. pic.twitter.com/ejtto01dnx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2025
Tyreek Hill's season-ending knee injury ends Falcons' fans dreams
Hill's injury was heartbreaking, and it was immediately evident it could jeopardize his career going forward. It took Nick Chubb over a year to rehab from a similar yet less severe variation that also occurred on Monday Night Football. And considering how much of an impact speed has on the eight-time Pro Bowler's skillset, it could make a return even more difficult.
Fortunately for Atlanta, the bye week is on tap in Week 5, which should give Mooney some additional time to get healthy before the schedule gets rough. The Week 4 victory marked a crucial turning point not only for Penix, but the entire offense which effectively silenced all doubts about the unit's output.
Moving Zac Robinson back to the sideline helped, but momentum being halted ahead of a tough Week 6 matchup doesn't help. And the timing of Mooney's injury couldn't be any worse. With a primetime matchup against reigning MVP and Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills looming, the Falcons will need every weapon available to stay competitive.
Should Mooney miss time, the Dirty Birds will be forced to turn to McCloud, Jamal Agnew, Casey Washington, and David Sills V. None of those names are world-beaters capable of replacing the Tulane product, but Washington at least has some potential.
That's why striking a trade for a player of the Cheetah's caliber made sense, but now Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris will have to return to the drawing board to fill one of the biggest needs Atlanta has.