The Falcoholic
Week 1 of the 2025 regular season is officially here, as the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers both held their first practices of the regular season.
The Falcons have had a few injuries to deal with during training camp and the preseason, with nothing more notable than right tackle Kaleb McGary being sidelined for the entire 2025 season. On Wednesday, we did receive some updates on some players, giving us insight on where they’re at heading into the season opener on Sunday. Let’s take a look.
Falcons injury report
• CB Clark Phillips III (ribs) – Limited
• WR Darnell Mooney (shoulder) – Limited
• S Demarco Hellams (hamstring) – Did Not Practice
• OL Jack Nelson (calf) – Did Not Practice
Buccaneers injury report
• RB Sean Tucker (hand) – Full
• CB Josh Hayes (ankle) – Full
• TE Cade Otton (groin) – Limited
• CB Benjamin Morrison (quad) – Limited
• OL Tristan Wirfs (knee) – Did Not Practice
• NT Vita Vea (foot) – Did Not Practice
• LB Haason Reddick (personal) – Did Not Practice
• S Christian Izien (oblique) – Did Not Practice
• WR Chris Godwin Jr. (ankle) – Did Not Practice
Reviewing both injury reports from Wednesday’s practices, you’ll notice some important names on the lists. For the Falcons, they would love to get back receiver Darnell Mooney, who missed all of preseason and most of training camp with a shoulder injury. Mooney being limited to start the week is a positive sign, but we will know more tomorrow.
Additionally, rookie lineman Jack Nelson is dealing with a calf injury which could keep him sidelined for his first professional game, assuming he doesn’t progress for the rest of the week. Nelson wasn’t expected to see much playing time anyways out of the gate, but starting the season injured isn’t ideal.
The Buccaneers have a lot more injuries, and you could argue more impactful for their roster, as several key starters are battling injuries. Tampa possibly being without lineman Tristan Wirfs, and/or tackle Vita Vea would be a blow to them in the trenches on both sides of the ball. One to keep an eye on is receiver Chris Godwin Jr., who has a chance to return from a season-ending leg injury but is more than likely out until a week or so from now.
