Michael Penix Jr. set to practice Wednesday; Stefanski expects him to start vs. Bears

Michael Penix Jr. is on track to avoid missing a game with his rib injury, as the Falcons' quarterback heads into Wednesday's practice with the green light to participate.

Stefanski went a step further Wednesday, telling reporters Penix is feeling better and will likely start Sunday against the Bears assuming no setbacks. Atlanta's starter hurt his ribs late in the Falcons' overtime loss to the Ravens on Sunday night and could not return for the extra period, with backup Tua Tagovailoa finishing the game. Penix said afterward he did not think the injury would keep him down long but hated being unable to get back in.

Penix underwent tests Monday on the injury, and the Falcons kept him in their plans rather than turning the offense over to Tagovailoa for an extended stretch. Getting him on the practice field Wednesday is the key checkpoint; if he works through the week without a setback, the concern shifts from availability to comfort in the pocket against a Bears pass rush that will be missing suspended defensive end Montez Sweat.

The Falcons host Chicago on Sunday with both teams nursing quarterback questions, making Penix's status the centerpiece of Atlanta's injury report all week.