The Atlanta Falcons were holding their breath when Michael Penix Jr. was sacked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Tavius Robinson with 27 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of a 23-23 ballgame. The Falcons punted before the game went to overtime, and Penix did not return for the overtime period due to a rib injury. The Ravens scored a touchdown on their initial offensive drive.
The game ended when Falcons backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was intercepted on his second pass of the drive. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the injury is not thought to be serious. However, the Falcons want to see how Penix practices this week before they decide if he'll make a start against the Chicago Bears in Week 6.
More news: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers More news: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts "Michael Penix’s rib injury is not considered serious, per sources," Schefter posted on X. "Penix might be able to return for Sunday’s game vs. the Bears, but the team wants to be cautious and see him practice this week before it knows whether he will be able to play in Week 6." Even if he does get the start, Penix might not be 100% for the game. Penix missed the first two games of the season, but helped lead Atlanta to two consecutive wins after he returned in Week 3.
The Falcons lost their first two games of the season when Cooper Rush was the starter with Penix clearing a mental hurdle to return to the field and Tagovailoa dealing with an oblique injury. During the first two games of the season, Atlanta did not have one offensive snap in the red zone. Penix has thrown for 719 yards, three touchdowns and one interception this season.
The Falcons offense has been much better with the 2024 first-round pick on the field. The Falcons fell to 2-3 after Sunday night's loss to the Ravens. Atlanta would have a much better opportunity to beat the 3-2 Bears with Penix on the field, but the team needs to make sure he won't suffer a worse setback by playing.
As for the Bears, quarterback Caleb Williams is trying to make the case this week he can start after missing the last three games due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain he suffered in Week 2. For more on the Falcons and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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