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Falcons expect Michael Penix Jr. to return as the starter vs. Bears after rib injury
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Sports/The Apex Times/Oct 14, 12:57 PM EDT

Falcons expect Michael Penix Jr. to return as the starter vs. Bears after rib injury

Atlanta says quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is feeling better after injuring his ribs in the final moments of Sunday’s game, and coach Kevin Stefanski indicated Penix will start this week as long as practice progresses as planned.

By The Apex Times Newsroom1 min readAI-assisted Apex article

The central question for Atlanta heading into Sunday against the Chicago Bears is whether Michael Penix Jr. will be able to start after a rib injury late in the Falcons’ previous game. The Falcons are expecting Penix to be the starting quarterback.

Atlanta reported that Penix suffered a rib injury in the waning minutes of the Falcons’ Sunday night loss to the Ravens. Penix attempted to work through the issue on the sideline late in the fourth quarter into overtime but ultimately did not feel he could return to the game.

With Penix unable to re-enter, the Falcons turned to Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback. The team’s next steps now focus on Penix’s week, with head coach Kevin Stefanski telling reporters Wednesday that Penix will be limited in practice to start the week while confirming the expectation that he will start as long as things go according to plan.

Stefanski also said Penix is feeling better, and both the team and Penix framed the situation as improved enough to keep him on track for the start. Penix has also been described by the Falcons as a key driver of the offense’s performance when he is on the field, pointing to significant changes in scoring output and advanced efficiency after his return earlier in the season.

Why It Matters

  • Atlanta’s offensive rhythm and efficiency are closely tied to Penix’s availability, and the team’s expectation for him to start sets the plan for Sunday’s quarterback look.
  • If Penix starts, the Falcons can return to the offensive baseline they associate with his earlier time on the field this season, rather than continuing with Tagovailoa at quarterback.
  • For Chicago, the matchup preparation centers on what Atlanta does offensively with Penix behind center rather than planning for an uncertainty at quarterback heading into kickoff.

Sources

Key Facts

  • The Falcons are expecting Michael Penix Jr. to start Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
  • Penix suffered a rib injury in the waning minutes of Atlanta’s Sunday night loss to the Ravens.
  • Penix worked on the sideline late in the fourth quarter into overtime but did not return to the game.
  • Tua Tagovailoa entered at quarterback after Penix was unable to continue.
  • Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Penix will be limited in practice early in the week, while confirming Penix will start if everything goes according to plan.
  • Stefanski said Wednesday that Penix is feeling better.
  • The Falcons tied Penix’s return to a notable shift in offensive production and efficiency when he is on the field, according to the team’s evaluation.