Penix, who sustained a rib injury during the final quarter of Sunday night's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, is expected to participate in practice on a limited basis. While the team conducted imaging earlier this week to assess the injury, Stefanski declined to provide specific details regarding the severity, stating only that the 26-year-old is feeling better as he prepares for the weekend.
Managing the Injury and Practice Load
The decision regarding how many repetitions Penix will take during practice sessions remains fluid. Stefanski emphasized that the team will prioritize the quarterback's comfort and physical response to movement throughout the week. The coaching staff plans to evaluate his status day-by-day to determine whether he can handle a full workload or if his participation will need to be scaled back.
The injury occurred following a significant hit in the closing stages of the game against Baltimore. Although Penix briefly exited the field, he returned for one play before ultimately being replaced by Tua Tagovailoa for the overtime period. Tagovailoa, who was also managing an oblique injury, entered the game as the Falcons failed to stop the Ravens on their opening drive of overtime, which ended on a game-ending interception.
Impact on the Falcons Offense
The return of Penix to the starting lineup has been a significant boost for the Atlanta offense. After missing the start of the season while recovering from ACL surgery on his left knee performed last November, Penix made his return in Week 3. His presence has coincided with a notable uptick in production for the team.
During the two weeks Penix was sidelined, the Falcons struggled to find the end zone, managing only 16 total points under the guidance of third-string quarterback Cooper Rush. Since Penix resumed his role, the offense has demonstrated a sharp turnaround, securing dominant road victories against the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints. During that two-game stretch, the team recorded 80 points, marking the highest offensive output in the league over that period. The Falcons will be looking to maintain that momentum this Sunday, provided their starting quarterback clears the final hurdles in his recovery.
