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Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (ribs) to start vs. Bears

By Thomson Reuters Oct 16, 2026 | 1:01 PM

By Field Level Media

Oct 16 (Field Level Media) – Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. ​did not receive an ‌injury designation on Friday and is on track to start Sunday’s game against the visiting Chicago Bears.

Penix, ‌who ​has been a ⁠full participant in ⁠practice this week, sustained a rib injury late in the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s ​30-23 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Tua Tagovailoa ⁠replaced Penix in ⁠overtime and threw a ​game-ending interception on his second play.

Penix, ​26, missed the first two ‌weeks of this season to complete his recovery from ACL surgery. He has completed ⁠67.5% of his passes for 719 yards, three touchdowns and one interception while ⁠posting ‌a 2-1 record ⁠in three starts.

Atlanta defensive ​end ‌Za’Darius Smith (neck) has cleared ​the concussion ⁠protocol but is listed as questionable to play on Sunday. Cornerback C.J. Henderson (groin) has been ruled out for the Falcons (2-3).

(–Field ​Level Media)