Michael Penix Jr. expected to start for Falcons against Bears

Michael Penix Jr. is on track to start Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, barring any setbacks, according to Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski. The quarterback sustained a rib injury during a recent overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Penix took a sack late in that game, briefly returned before the end of regulation, and was unable to continue in overtime. Tua Tagovailoa entered the game for the final period and threw the game-ending interception. Penix underwent an MRI earlier this week. Stefanski told reporters that the left-handed quarterback is feeling better but stopped short of providing details on the extent of the rib injury. The quarterback was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. ESPN's Adam Schefter told The Pat McAfee Show on Monday that the injury did not appear to be long-term at the time. ESPN reported later on Wednesday that Penix took all first-team reps in practice. Penix said he felt good during the session and plans to stay on top of his rehabilitation. His practice workload for the remainder of the week will depend on how he feels as he moves around. This potential return follows a season start where Penix missed the first two games due to an ACL injury sustained last November. Cooper Rush started those initial two weeks before Penix returned to the lineup. The Falcons face a Bears team with its own uncertainty at quarterback. Chicago's Caleb Williams has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. Bears head coach Ben Johnson said Wednesday that Williams would be listed as a full participant on the latest injury report.