Michael Penix Jr. Dodges Serious Rib Injury, Status Up in the Air for Week 6

Atlanta Falcons fans can collectively exhale. Michael Penix Jr. dodged a major bullet, with reports confirming his recent rib injury is not considered serious.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the quarterback might even be ready to suit up for Sunday’s Week 6 clash against the Chicago Bears.

"ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the injury is not considered serious and the team will monitor his practice."

But the Falcons are playing it safe. The medical staff wants to see how Penix handles practice this week before officially handing him the keys to the offense for the weekend.

Rib injuries for a quarterback are basically the NFL equivalent of trying to sleep on a bad mattress. Every time you twist, throw, or breathe too heavily, you are violently reminded of the damage.

Atlanta is right to be cautious. You do not invest heavily in a franchise quarterback just to turn him into a human piñata in mid-October.

The timing of the injury stings, coming right on the heels of a frustrating 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Falcons need to bounce back, and doing that without your starting quarterback is always a gamble.

Fortunately for Atlanta, the upcoming opponent is dealing with their own existential crisis. The Bears are limping into Week 6 after getting absolutely boatraced by the Green Bay Packers in a 31-7 blowout.

If Penix can practice without wincing every time he drops back, expect him under center. If not, the betting lines will adjust, and Atlanta will have to figure out how to outscore a Chicago team that barely remembered how to play offense last week.