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Za’Darius Smith clears concussion protocol, remains limited with a neck injury for Falcons
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Sports/The Apex Times/Oct 15, 3:42 PM EDT

Za’Darius Smith clears concussion protocol, remains limited with a neck injury for Falcons

Atlanta moved Za’Darius Smith from “concussion/neck” to “neck” on its Thursday practice injury report, indicating he has passed concussion protocol while continuing to work through a separate neck issue.

By The Apex Times Newsroom1 min readAI-assisted Apex article

Falcons defensive end Za’Darius Smith’s status on Atlanta’s Thursday injury report shifted from “concussion/neck” to “neck,” which the team report described as clearing concussion protocol.

Smith did not participate in Thursday’s practice and was working through the neck injury after missing the team’s previous Sunday night game against the Ravens.

According to the Falcons’ report, Smith had left the prior week’s win over the Saints with the concussion/neck injury, then carried that designation through the subsequent game-day status before the concussion portion was cleared.

The same Thursday report also listed quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as a full participant in consecutive practices after being unable to finish an overtime loss to the Ravens due to rib injury, with coach Kevin Stefanski indicating Penix should start Sunday against the Bears barring any setbacks.

Cornerback C.J. Henderson was listed as not participating for a second straight day with a groin injury that kept him out of the Ravens game. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said he remained confident in the group available at cornerback, pointing to Mike Hughes as a top-end starter and noting Avieon Terrell’s development.

Why It Matters

  • Clearing concussion protocol is a meaningful step for a defensive edge rusher, but Smith’s continued “neck” designation means Atlanta still has to manage his workload and availability.
  • For the Falcons’ defense, Smith’s progression to a non-concussion status could improve rotational flexibility if he returns to practice participation later in the week.
  • The quarterback situation remains an important storyline: with Penix practicing fully again, Atlanta’s plan for the Bears game appears to be lining up around him.
  • With C.J. Henderson still limited, the cornerback depth plan continues to hinge on replacements and matchups the coaching staff can deploy.

Sources

Key Facts

  • Za’Darius Smith’s injury designation on Thursday changed from “concussion/neck” to “neck,” and the team said he cleared concussion protocol.
  • Smith did not participate in Thursday’s practice while working through the neck injury.
  • Smith missed the Falcons’ prior Sunday night game vs. the Ravens after leaving the previous week’s win over the Saints with the concussion/neck injury.
  • Michael Penix Jr. was a full participant in consecutive practices after rib injury limited him in the overtime loss to the Ravens.
  • The Falcons’ Thursday report listed C.J. Henderson as not participating for a second straight practice with a groin injury.
  • Kevin Stefanski said, barring setbacks, Penix should start Sunday against the Bears.