Penix cleared to start against Bears after full practice week

Michael Penix Jr. will start against the Bears on Sunday after finishing the practice week without an injury designation. The Falcons listed him as a full participant Friday despite the rib injury that forced him out late in last Sunday's loss to Baltimore, according to Atlanta's final injury report.

Penix practiced fully all week, NBC Sports' Josh Alper reported. He could not return for overtime against the Ravens, when Tua Tagovailoa took over.

Atlanta ruled cornerback C.J. Henderson out with a groin injury. Defensive end Za'Darius Smith is questionable with a neck injury. Smith cleared concussion protocol Thursday, but was limited in Friday's practice.

Wednesday, October 14

Penix took all the starting reps Wednesday and said he made every throw, according to Falcons reporter Tori McElhaney. Coach Kevin Stefanski had initially expected limited work and made the starting plan conditional on Penix’s recovery. The official report subsequently listed him as a full participant.

Atlanta scored 16 points in its first two games and 80 over the next two, NFL.com reported at the time. Its record entering the Chicago game was 2-3.

Tori McElhaney: Penix made every throw Wednesday · Penix likely to start without setbacks · Penix expected to start · Stefanski’s Wednesday update · NFL: Bears keep Williams starting decision open · Falcons: Penix full in Wednesday practice · NBC: full participation supersedes limited plan