Michael Penix Jr. is on track to remain Atlanta’s starting quarterback for Sunday’s Week 6 matchup with the Chicago Bears after a rib injury forced him out late in the Falcons’ overtime loss to Baltimore.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that Penix is expected to take the field, provided the quarterback continues to progress through the week. “It’s trending,” Stefanski said. “As long as everything goes according to plan, yes.”
Quick facts
- Penix is expected to start against Chicago in Week 6 despite a rib injury.
- He will be a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice.
- The injury occurred on a sack with 27 seconds left in regulation against Baltimore.
- Tua Tagovailoa replaced Penix and threw an interception in overtime.
- Atlanta enters the week at 2-3, narrowly behind Carolina in the NFC South.
Penix was hurt during the final minute of regulation Sunday night and could not finish the game. Baltimore had erased an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit, pushed the contest to overtime and won after Tagovailoa’s interception ended Atlanta’s possession.
Tagovailoa completed two passes for 34 yards in relief, but his turnover sealed the Ravens’ comeback. Atlanta avoided what initially appeared to be a potentially damaging quarterback situation, with Penix reportedly feeling better than he did immediately after the injury.
The Falcons have relied heavily on Penix since his return from last season’s knee injury. Atlanta averaged only eight points per game through Weeks 1 and 2, then surged to 40 points per game across Weeks 3 and 4.
Chicago begins a demanding three-game stretch for Atlanta, followed by matchups with San Francisco and Tampa Bay. With the Panthers just ahead in the division race, the Falcons are preparing as though Penix will be available to lead the offense Sunday.
