Falcons Week 6 Inactives: Penix Cleared, But Secondary Takes a Massive Hit
The Atlanta Falcons released their Week 6 inactive list, revealing that Michael Penix Jr. is healthy enough to start while standout cornerback C.J. Henderson is sidelined against the Bears.
HotTakes Editorial Team1 min read
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The Atlanta Falcons just dropped their Week 6 inactive list, and it is a masterclass in reading between the lines. Marc Raimondi reported the official scratches, which include Malcolm DeWalt IV, Christian Harris, Ethan Onianwa, and Drake Jackson, but the biggest takeaway is actually about a guy who avoided the list entirely.
Cooper Rush is officially wearing the emergency third quarterback hat today, while rookie Jack Strand is joining him in street clothes. That tells you everything you need to know about Michael Penix Jr. and his rib cage.
"Marc Raimondi reported the official inactive list on Twitter."
Penix took an absolute beating late in last week's 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Putting Rush in the glass-break-in-case-of-emergency role means the medical staff cleared Penix to take the snaps against the Chicago Bears, which is great news for anyone who enjoys forward passes.
But the real gut punch on this list is cornerback C.J. Henderson. When A.J. Terrell went on injured reserve with a groin injury, the Atlanta secondary looked like a disaster waiting to happen. Instead, Henderson stepped in and played out of his mind.
Just two weeks ago against the New Orleans Saints, Henderson racked up 10 tackles, forced a fumble, and recovered it. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was literally begging opposing quarterbacks to target him. Going from that level of production to street clothes is a brutal swing for a defense trying to keep its head above water.
If you are staring at the prop market for Chicago's wide receivers today, Henderson being out is the exact type of roster math that ruins a defensive game plan. You cannot just replace a guy who was playing like a true top corner with practice squad vibes and hope for the best.
Atlanta needs Penix to survive four quarters and the secondary to hold together with duct tape. If the Bears come in and torch this depleted defensive backfield, the panic meter in Mercedes-Benz Stadium is going to snap completely off the dial.
Key stats
Key statsC.J. Henderson recorded 10 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in Week 4 against the Saints.
Michael Penix Jr. returns to the starting lineup after suffering a rib injury in a 30-23 loss to the Ravens.
What's next
The Falcons will rely on Michael Penix Jr. to play through his rib issue while hoping their depleted secondary can survive against Chicago without their top available cornerback.
