NFL3 hours ago2 minute read

Michael Penix Jr. Suffers Rib Injury in Falcons Overtime Loss

Michael Penix Jr. hurt his ribs late in Atlanta's overtime defeat against Baltimore but expects to return quickly.

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Penix exits late against Baltimore

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a rib injury late in Sunday night's 30-23 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The passer does not expect the issue to keep him sidelined for an extended period.

Penix went down after a sack by Tavius Robinson with 27 seconds left in a tied fourth quarter. He stayed on the ground briefly before walking off under his own power. Tua Tagovailoa entered for one snap, and Penix returned before Atlanta punted to force overtime. Penix did not play in the extra period. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Penix tried to get comfortable on the bench, but could not do so. As the Ravens controlled the ball on a long drive, the cold air and rest caused the pain to worsen. Tagovailoa returned and threw an interception to Kyle Hamilton with 2:11 remaining.

Quarterback expects quick return

Penix remains confident that he will not miss time. "Knowing me, I'm going to be ready to go next week because I sat out enough in my career, but I'm going to do everything I can in the training room, make sure I get back to where I want to be," Penix said. He also explained that he likely would have re-entered had the Falcons received the opening possession of overtime.

His teammates are hoping for the best. "I hope he's great," running back Bijan Robinson said. "I hope that it could maybe only be just a bruise or something like that and it just felt a little like that in the moment, but I just pray he's all right. I know the whole team does."

Atlanta attack relies on Penix

Before leaving the game, Penix completed 19 of 32 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. His presence has transformed Atlanta's season since returning in Week 3 from left ACL surgery. That procedure was the third ACL repair of his career, following two tears to his right ACL in college.

Without Penix and Tagovailoa in Weeks 1 and 2, third stringer Cooper Rush managed only 16 total points. With Penix back on the field, the Falcons put up 80 points across his first two starts.

What it means for the next game

Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons (NFL, Sun, 18 Oct): Atlanta Falcons win 38%, Chicago Bears win 62%; projected score Atlanta Falcons 22, Chicago Bears 26. Our safest pick: Over 40.5 points.