Falcons Look to Bounce Back Against Vikings After Week 1 Heartbreaker

The Atlanta Falcons are on the road this weekend, heading north to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 action. Kickoff is set for Sunday, September 14, as the Falcons aim to quickly turn the page after a tough 23-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their season opener.

Atlanta nearly pulled off late-game heroics last week behind rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who marched the offense down the field in under a minute to set up a potential game-tying kick. But Younghoe Koo’s 44-yard attempt sailed wide right with six seconds remaining, leaving the Falcons just short of putting one in the win column.

Now, the Dirty Birds will try to regroup against a Minnesota team looking to defend its home turf.

Injury Report — Friday, Sept. 12

The Falcons’ final injury report offers some clarity on who will suit up in Minneapolis.

• Full Participation: WR Darnell Mooney (shoulder), WR Drake London (shoulder), CB Billy Bowman Jr. (shoulder)
• Limited Participation: S DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring), EDGE James Pearce Jr. (groin), OL Jack Nelson (calf), T Jake Matthews (rest)
• Did Not Participate: WR Jamal Agnew (groin), S Jordan Fuller (knee), EDGE Leonard Floyd (rest), WR Casey Washington (concussion), DL David Onyemata (rest)

Game Status

• Questionable: Hellams (hamstring), Pearce Jr. (groin), Bowman Jr. (shoulder)
• Out: Agnew (groin), Fuller (knee), Nelson (calf), Washington (concussion)

The Falcons will rely heavily on Bijan Robinson, who put up 124 scrimmage yards against Tampa Bay, and Penix, who continues to look poised beyond his years. Defensively, Atlanta will look to build off its strong start in Week 1, where it opened with back-to-back three-and-outs for the first time in a season opener since 2015.

With the Buccaneers game now behind them, the focus is forward—and Sunday in Minnesota offers the perfect chance for the Falcons to show resilience, shake off a missed opportunity, and fight for their first win of 2025.