Falcons Add DJ Chark Jr. Amid Mooney Injury Uncertainty: A Smart Veteran Pickup

Well, things are getting interesting down in Atlanta.

As NFL training camps heat up, the Atlanta Falcons have made a splash by bringing in veteran wide receiver DJ Chark Jr., according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The move comes at a time when the team might be in a bind following an unfortunate injury to wideout Darnell Mooney during Thursday’s practice.

Let’s break this whole thing down—because there's a lot more to this move than just another name on the roster.

🚨 DJ Chark Is Heading to ATL

DJ Chark might not be the most talked-about name in fantasy drafts these days, but don't let that fool you—the guy has talent. The former second-round pick out of LSU has had a rollercoaster of a career, but at 28, he’s still got juice left in the tank.

Chark’s NFL resume includes:

• 216 receptions

• 3,100 receiving yards

• 24 career touchdowns

His best year? That would be 2019, when he eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards and made the Pro Bowl with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was on fire that season—stretching the field, beating corners deep, and showing real WR1 upside.

🏈 The Mooney Mystery

So why now? Why bring in Chark right before training camp kicks into high gear?

All signs point to the injury suffered by Darnell Mooney on Thursday. The Falcons have stayed pretty quiet about it, but his abrupt exit from practice has set off some alarms in Flowery Branch. If Mooney's injury is serious—or even if he's just going to miss a few weeks—Atlanta needed to make a move, and fast.

Chark is the kind of guy who can step in, pick up the offense quickly, and provide production. He’s been around, he’s played in different systems, and he’s lined up across from some of the NFL’s top corners.

In short, he’s ready for the moment.

🔁 Chark’s Journey: From Jaguars to Chargers

Let’s rewind the clock a bit.

Chark entered the league in 2018 with Jacksonville. After a couple of learning seasons, he blew up in 2019 with over 1,000 yards and 8 TDs. But injuries and inconsistent QB play started to dim the spotlight in the years that followed.

After four seasons in Jacksonville, Chark signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions in 2022, where he showed flashes—nothing like his Pro Bowl season, but solid nonetheless.

Then came 2023. Chark landed with the Carolina Panthers, playing in 15 games, hauling in 525 yards and five touchdowns. Not too shabby for a team that struggled mightily in the passing game.

Later in the season, he got picked up by the Los Angeles Chargers, though he only saw action in seven games, notching just four catches for 31 yards and a touchdown. A quiet stint, for sure—but now, with a fresh start in Atlanta, the story could be different.

🧠 What Chark Brings to the Falcons Offense

Let’s be real—Chark isn’t a WR1 anymore. But what he brings to the table could be just what this young Falcons offense needs:

✅ Deep Threat Ability – Chark has that long stride and breakaway speed to get behind defenses. He’s a guy you can throw it up to downfield.
✅ Veteran Leadership – At 28, he’s seen a lot in this league. Atlanta’s receiving room could benefit from that experience.
✅ Big-Game Experience – Chark’s been in different systems, different locker rooms. He’s proven he can handle pressure.

With Drake London handling WR1 duties and Kyle Pitts wreaking havoc at tight end, adding Chark gives QB Kirk Cousins (or whoever’s under center Week 1) a solid WR3 or rotational weapon who can stretch the field and punish teams that key too hard on the other two.

🔄 Roster Moves Continue

Chark’s signing wasn’t the only transaction in Falcons camp this week.

Atlanta also released veteran defensive back Kevin King, who had been battling for a backup cornerback spot. Additionally, three players were placed on the non-football injury (NFI) list, which often includes players recovering from offseason surgeries or other off-field issues.

These moves clear the way for a reshaped 90-man training camp roster as the Falcons gear up for preseason action. The updated roster reflects a team trying to tighten things up—addressing depth concerns and preparing for worst-case scenarios like Mooney’s potential absence.

👀 What To Watch For Next

So what does this all mean for Falcons fans?

• If Mooney’s injury is long-term, expect Chark to see meaningful snaps early in the season.

• If Mooney comes back healthy, Chark becomes valuable depth and could still rotate in on 3-WR sets.

• If Chark returns to even 80% of his 2019 form, this could be a very underrated pickup.

Also, training camp battles just got more interesting. The WR depth chart is now deeper, and younger players like KhaDarel Hodge, Josh Ali, and Scotty Miller will be fighting even harder to earn their spots.

🏁 Final Word

Don’t sleep on this move.

While DJ Chark’s name might not be lighting up headlines, his arrival in Atlanta is a savvy piece of business. It’s low risk, high upside. He knows how to produce, and with the right play-calling, he could easily become a key contributor.

Plus, if the Falcons are serious about making a push in the NFC South, they’ll need every ounce of veteran savvy they can get. And that’s exactly what Chark brings.

So buckle up, Falcons fans. This team isn’t just trying to stay afloat—they’re gearing up to compete. And DJ Chark Jr. might just play a bigger role in that than most people realize.