Penix Exits Falcons Loss After Late Rib Injury

A late-game injury changed the finish of Atlanta's 30-23 overtime loss to Baltimore as Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left after a rib injury. The incident occurred late in the game, with Penix throwing for 240 yards before exiting and the Ravens winning in overtime.

According to ESPN, Penix was injured when linebacker Tavius Robinson sacked him with 27 seconds remaining in regulation while the score was tied. He briefly stayed on the field before walking off under his own power.

Backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa replaced Penix for one play before Penix returned briefly. ESPN reported that Tagovailoa later reentered after Penix did not return in overtime, throwing an interception to Kyle Hamilton that ended the game with 2:11 remaining.

Penix said the injury was not expected to become a long-term issue and expressed confidence about returning for the next game.

"Knowing me, I'm going to be ready to go next week because I sat out enough in my career, but I'm going to do everything I can in the training room, make sure I get back to where I want to be," said Michael Penix Jr., Falcons quarterback.

The Falcons quarterback had recently returned in Week 3 following left ACL surgery, which was his third ACL surgery after two previous right ACL injuries during his college career, according to ESPN.

ESPN reported that Penix was trying to remain available during the final moments of the game, but the injury prevented him from continuing after the overtime period began.

"It's frustrating, but I think the biggest thing is just I want to be out there, especially in a big moment in a game like that. I just felt like I needed to be out there," said Michael Penix Jr., Falcons quarterback.

Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said Penix attempted to get comfortable on the sideline but could not do so. Atlanta eventually relied on Tagovailoa during overtime after Penix was unable to return.

The Falcons offense improved after Penix returned from injury earlier in the season. According to ESPN, Atlanta scored 80 combined points in his first two starts after managing 16 points across Weeks 1 and 2 with injured quarterbacks.

Penix completed 19 of 32 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions before leaving the game, according to ESPN.

Falcons running back Bijan Robinson offered support for Penix after the loss and said he hoped the injury was minor.

"I hope he's great. I hope that it could maybe only be just a bruise or something like that, and it just felt a little like that in the moment, but I just pray he's all right. I know the whole team does," said Bijan Robinson, Falcons running back.