DarnellMooney

News: 1 day agoMooney could have a chance to open the season as the Giants' No. 3 receiver after Calvin Austin (knee) sustained a torn ACL in Tuesday's practice, Jordan Ranaan of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: Before injuring his right knee, Austin looked primed to play a significant role as the Giants' slot receiver, but the team is now expected to take a committee approach to that position in the wake of his season-ending injury, per Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Along with Mooney, fellow wideouts Malik Nabers (knee) and Odell Beckham and tight end Isaiah Likely could also get more chances to work in the slot. Ranaan notes that Mooney -- who produced a 32-443-1 receiving line on 72 targets in 15 games with the Falcons in 2025 -- turned in one of his best practices of the summer Tuesday, which could prompt the coaching staff to carve out more snaps for him with the first-team offense.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Mooney signed with the Giants and is the top bet to replace Wan'Dale Robinson as the team's No. 2 receiver behind Malik Nabers. Mooney's production has been all over the map throughout his career, having posted strong 81-1,055-4 and 64-992-5 receiving lines over the past five seasons, while also finishing in the 400-to-500-yard range the other three campaigns during the span. The 28-year-old has proven to be a serviceable starting receiver and could easily settle in second or third in line for targets in the Giants' ascending, Jaxson Dart-led offense. Mooney's ceiling isn't very high, but he's not the worst late-round pick in deeper leagues, especially if it's looking like Nabers won't be healthy in time for the season opener.