Penix Jr. Returns to Falcons Bench After Rib Injury, Says It Is Not Long-Term

Key points

• Penix Jr. was sacked by Tavius Robinson with 19 seconds left in regulation, fumbled, and left the field due to a rib injury.
• Penix returned for one play, threw an incompletion, and then punted; he remained on the bench for overtime, attended by staff but not sent to the medical tent.
• Tagovailoa entered in overtime and threw a game-ending interception to Kyle Hamilton on the second play, sealing the 30-23 Ravens victory.
• Penix completed 19 of 32 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown before exiting; Stefanski praised his effort against a tough defense.
• Penix, returning from a torn ACL, said the rib injury is not a long-term concern and will undergo imaging on Monday.

Background

Penix Jr. was named the Falcons' starting quarterback in Week 3 after a disastrous 0-2 start, replacing Cooper Rush. He has played three games this season since returning from a season-ending ACL tear. The Falcons are coming off a 35-14 win over the Packers and a 35-27 loss to the Raiders, with Stefanski using the week off to refine fundamentals.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and NFL.com agree on the core facts: Penix's rib injury, his brief return, and the pending imaging. NBC Sports emphasizes Stefanski's post-game comments about Penix's performance and the uncertainty of the injury's severity. NFL.com highlights Penix's own statement that the injury is not long-term and provides the specific detail that he was attended to on the bench but did not go to the medical tent. ESPN's source was inaccessible (403 error), so no additional perspective could be synthesized from that outlet.

Why it matters

Penix Jr. is the Falcons' primary quarterback after a rocky start, and his availability for Week 6 against the Bears is crucial. A rib injury could impact his mobility and throwing ability, potentially forcing a return to backup Tua Tagovailoa, who struggled in overtime. The outcome of Monday's imaging will determine if Penix can start next week or if the Falcons must rely on Tagovailoa or another option.

What to watch

Penix Jr. will undergo imaging on Monday to assess the severity of the rib injury. The Falcons will evaluate his status ahead of Week 6 against the Chicago Bears. If the injury is deemed minor, Penix is expected to start; if not, Tua Tagovailoa or another backup may take over.