Michael Penix Jr. injury update: Falcons QB likely to start this week vs. Bears, but status could change

Penix suffered a rib injury during the Week 5 overtime loss to Baltimore After their quarterback couldn't finish Sunday night's overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens due to a rib injury, the Atlanta Falcons are getting some positive news relating to Michael Penix Jr.'s status for Week 6. On Wednesday, head coach Kevin Stefanski said Penix is "feeling better" and that, if "everything goes according to plan," he will start on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. "Mike will practice," Stefanski said to begin his Wednesday press conference. "He'll be limited in some fashion. We'll see how he's feeling and have communication with him to see how many reps we'll take off, so that's to be determined." When asked specifically if Penix will start on Sunday, Stefeanski said, "Yes, as long as everything goes according to plan." Stefanski went on to say that he wants to see how Penix is feeling out on the field before making hard determinations on how the practice reps will be divvied up.

"With any injury like this, you want to make sure, as they move around, how they're feeling," he said. "It could be all, some, none. We shall see." Penix suffered the injury after being sacked by Baltimore's Tavius Robinson with about 19 seconds left in regulation. He fumbled the ball after getting hit,