Michael Penix Jr. is fully cleared to start for the Atlanta Falcons in Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Chicago Bears, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. While the Falcons' quarterback has been designated injury-free and has participated in practice all week, the status of Bears star Caleb Williams remains unclear despite his recent return to full participation in practices.
Penix's clearance resolves concerns following a scare in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens. A late-game sack briefly knocked the first-year starter out of the contest, though he returned one play later. He did not play in overtime due to rib discomfort, prompting questions about a potential setback. An MRI conducted earlier in the week indicated Penix was on track to start, barring further issues. On Friday, the Falcons confirmed he had no injury designation and would take the field as QB1. Stefanski stated he does not anticipate the need for extra rib protection or adjustments to the game plan for Sunday.
The Falcons enter the weekend on a strong offensive note. Penix contributed to a league-high combined 80 points scored by Atlanta in Weeks 3 and 4. In Week 4, Penix threw for 223 yards while Bijan Robinson rushed for 145 in a win over the New Orleans Saints. For the season, Penix has thrown for 719 yards and three touchdowns. His return to full availability follows a well-documented history of injuries, including an ACL surgery last November.
In contrast, the Bears face uncertainty regarding their own starting quarterback. Caleb Williams has missed the past three games with a hamstring injury. Bears head coach Ben Johnson noted on Wednesday that Williams was listed as a full participant on the injury report. Williams maintained that status on Thursday for a second consecutive day. However, Johnson emphasized that a final decision on Williams' availability for Sunday's game had not yet been made.
Williams addressed reporters directly about his situation, stating, "Before you start asking, do not know if I’m playing yet." He explained that he must complete medical protocols, practice, and stress testing associated with returning from a serious injury. The quarterback also challenged previous media characterizations of his injury, asserting that every report was inaccurate. He clarified that he suffered a "pretty serious" hamstring tear, adding, "There’s nothing that has come out that has been right about what it is and what it has been."
The Falcons' offense will face a Bears unit whose starting quarterback may still be ruled out or limited, depending on whether Williams clears the remaining medical hurdles before kickoff.