Ray-Ray McCloud

McCloud's day was highlighted by a 42-yard diving grab in the first half on a nicely thrown ball from Michael Penix. McCloud had a career year in 2024 as the Falcons' primary slot guy, catching 62 balls for 689 yards and one touchdown. He had four games with at least six receptions, most of them coming in the first half of the season. McCloud, 28, is signed through the 2025 season.

Falcons WR Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is inactive for today s game vs. the Panthers. It s a significant loss. Mooney ranks second among Falcons in targets, catches, receiving yards, and receiving TDs. WR KhaDarel Hodge figures to pick up most of Mooney s snaps today but would be a desperation fantasy start. WRs Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud and TE Kyle Pitts could also get target boosts.

Mooney, who sustained a shoulder injury during practice this week, will miss the final game of the regular season -- a must-win matchup for the Falcons. His absence should be a fantasy boost for Kyle Pitts and Ray-Ray McCloud against a terrible Panthers coverage unit. The Falcons also declared CB Kevin King, ILB JD Bertrand, DL Brandon Dorlus, OL Elijah Wilkinson, and T Brandon Parker inactive against Carolina.

Shoulder injury Falcons WR Darnell Mooney is inactive today. (Adam Schefter on X) FF Today's Take: Mooney will miss Week 18 with a shoulder injury, leaving the Falcons with Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud as their top two widouts. KhaDarel Hodge should get some increased playing time as well but won't be a fantasy recommendation.

Rapoport didn't rule Mooney out but reiterated that it is an uphill battle for the veteran receiver to play this week. Mooney suffered the shoulder injury in practice and was downgraded to a DNP on Friday, a bad sign for his Week 18 outlook. Assuming he doesn't suit up, KhaDarel Hodge will step into the three-receiver rotation alongside Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud.