Michael Penix Jr. was scheduled to undergo imaging Monday after a rib injury prevented him from finishing the Atlanta Falcons’ 30–23 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said the quarterback could not become comfortable enough on the sideline to return for the extra period. Penix said after the game that he did not expect the problem to be long term, according to Field Level Media’s report carried by Reuters. That assessment preceded the planned imaging.
The injury occurred when Baltimore’s Tavius Robinson sacked Penix with 19 seconds left in regulation. Atlanta recovered Penix’s fumble, but the quarterback left the field for one play.
Tua Tagovailoa replaced him before Penix returned and threw an incompletion. The Falcons then punted, sending the game to overtime.
Penix said the discomfort worsened while he waited through Baltimore’s opening overtime possession. Tagovailoa handled Atlanta’s response and threw the interception to Kyle Hamilton that ended the game.
Penix completed 19 of 32 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown without an interception. The Falcons had led by eight late in the fourth quarter before Baltimore’s tying drive.
Sunday was Penix’s third appearance of the season after he missed Atlanta’s first two games while recovering from a partially torn left ACL. His recent return had helped the Falcons win consecutive road games before the loss to Baltimore.
The Monday testing was the next step toward determining his practice participation and availability. The postgame report did not establish a return date or name a starter for Atlanta’s next game.
Follow TSP’s NFL coverage and the Ravens’ overtime comeback.
