NFL · Atlanta
Falcons-first coverage from the Bird Gang: previews, recaps, roster moves, and weekly pick'em action all season long.
Next Atlanta Falcons game
· Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Za'Darius Smith cleared concussion protocol Thursday and is trending toward Sunday, giving a pass rush that vanished in Baltimore its best rusher back against the league's most unbalanced offense.
Kevin Stefanski says Michael Penix Jr. should play Sunday against Chicago, and the league's top two rushing attacks collide at the Benz — Bijan's 580 yards against a Bears defense that's brutally efficient on third down.
Reports say Michael Penix Jr.'s rib injury is not serious, the Falcons are optimistic he starts Sunday against Chicago, and the Bears' gettable pass defense makes it matter all at once.
Michael Penix Jr. left with a rib injury at the end of regulation, Tua Tagovailoa threw a game-ending interception in overtime, and the Falcons dropped to 2-3 in a 30-23 Sunday night loss.
Baltimore officially ruled out Lamar Jackson on Friday, Tyler Huntley will start, and the 2-2 Falcons get the softest spot on the Ravens' schedule at Sunday-night home.
The Falcons tied a franchise record with five rushing touchdowns on Monday night in the Superdome, rolling past New Orleans to get to 2-2 and keep the Michael Penix Jr. turnaround rolling.
The Saints ruled out Kaden Elliss, Carl Granderson and Anfernee Jennings for Monday night, and the Falcons ride a red-hot Bijan Robinson into the Superdome with the NFC South on the line.
Bijan Robinson took home NFC Offensive Player of the Week after 213 scrimmage yards in Green Bay — and he leads the entire league with 467 through three weeks.
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