FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. returned to practice Wednesday and is on track to start for the Atlanta Falcons Sunday against the Chicago Bears after leaving last week’s loss to Baltimore with a rib injury.
Penix missed the first two games of the season while completing his recovery from a torn ACL in his left knee that ended his 2025 season. The Falcons were 0-2 with Cooper Rush as the fill-in starter. Even before the tests, Penix said he was determined to start against Chicago “because I’ve sat out enough in my career. … “We’ll see how he’s feeling and have communication with him to see how many reps he will take off, so that that’s to be determined.
Penix showed no sign of the injury in the portion of practice open to reporters as he moved and threw passes. And I know I’m gonna continue to feel good. I’ve just got to stay on top of my rehab and just make sure I’m doing all the right things. So take with that what you want. “… I never want to see the quarterback, especially Mike, get hit like that. But for us, it’s a blessing that he is back, and we’re gonna take advantage of it. Tua Tagovailoa played behind Penix against Baltimore and threw a game-ending interception in overtime. Stefanski provided no details on the results of tests on Penix’s rib. I will work my tail off to make sure I’m back out there on that field.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Penix will start against the Bears “as long as everything goes according to plan. “Yeah, they’re good, they’re getting better every day,” Penix said when asked about his ribs after the practice. When asked if he felt any discomfort when making throws, Penix said: “Any pain? “I’m happy that he’s all right,” said running back Bijan Robinson. Stefanski said he wanted to see Penix’s level of comfort on the field. “Penix will be limited in some fashion,” Stefanski said before the practice.
“I felt good today at practice. It’s not always comfortable but I made every throw today.
