ATLANTA, Ga. — Michael Penix Jr. is back under center this weekend after the Atlanta Falcons listed their quarterback without an injury tag Friday, clearing him to start Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Penix hurt his ribs late in last Sunday night loss to Baltimore, briefly returned for one throw, then watched from the sideline in overtime while Tua Tagovailoa finished the drive that ended on an interception. Imaging earlier in the week came back clean enough for a full return to practice.
At the Flowery Branch facility, Penix took the starting snaps in the first midweek workout and said he felt good enough to make every throw even if the ribs were still tender. Coach Kevin Stefanski had said he expected Penix to start if the week stayed on track, and Friday official report removed any designation.
Through three appearances this season after recovering from an ACL tear, Penix has completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 719 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. The Falcons are 2-3 entering a 1 p.m. kickoff against the 3-2 Bears.
Cornerback C.J. Henderson, who started while A.J. Terrell Jr. sits on injured reserve, missed Wednesday work with a groin issue but was described as improving. Left tackle Jake Matthews was a full participant after being questionable for the Ravens game.
Former Falcon Grady Jarrett returns to Atlanta with Chicago for the first time since his March 2025 release. Kickoff Sunday is set for 1 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The NFC South race tightened after last week loss, so a healthy Penix matters for Atlanta playoff math as much as for the Bears visit.
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