The Bears could get a break in Week 6, and it has everything to do with Michael Penix Jr.'s ribs.
Chicago is still waiting on clarity at quarterback, with Ben Johnson leaving the door open for Caleb Williams to return even as he said the team has not made a decision yet. But the bigger swing factor may be on the other sideline, where Atlanta’s starting quarterback remains uncertain after getting hurt in the overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Penix hasn’t been ruled out, but his status is very much up in the air. He completed 19 of 32 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown without an interception before leaving the game, and he said he would have kept going if the Falcons had gotten the ball first in overtime. Instead, he was unable to push through the pain after sitting through a long Ravens possession.
The difference between Atlanta with and without Penix has been hard to miss. Before his season debut, the Falcons’ offense was stuck in the mud, with Tua Tagovailoa and Cooper Rush combining for 16 points over two weeks. Since Penix took over, the unit has looked far more dangerous, piling up 80 points in his two starts.
That’s why there’s a real chance the Falcons choose caution. Penix missed most of last season because of his third ACL injury, and durability has long been one of the biggest questions around him. With that history, Atlanta may decide it makes more sense to hold him out for a week than risk pushing him back too soon.
For Chicago, the timing couldn’t be better. The Bears left their loss to the Green Bay Packers with more than just a defeat, as Dayo Odeyingbo, T.J.
Edwards, and Tyrique Stevenson all exited with injuries. That could leave Dennis Allen’s defense thin, banged up, and in a tough spot against Atlanta if Penix is cleared to play.
And there’s another wrinkle: Jaylon Johnson’s recent struggles make the idea of having him shadow Drake London look like a dangerous assignment right now. Penix can drive the ball and create chances for his receivers, while Tagovailoa has a knack for handing the other team opportunities.
No one wants to root for injuries, and that part of the game never gets easier. Still, from Atlanta’s perspective, the smartest move may be the obvious one: protect a fragile franchise quarterback for at least one more week.
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Bears Fans Are Split Over How ESPN Framed Mike Ditkas Legacy
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The discussion quickly moved beyond remembrance and into the sort of Chicago sports debate Ditka always seemed to inspire. ESPNs framing of his place in the city drew attention because it touched a nerve with fans who have long argued over where he fits in the pantheon of Chicago legends, especially when compared with Michael Jordan. Even in mourning, Ditka remains one of the rare figures whose legacy can still split a fan base while also uniting it in admiration. [Read more 🡒]