Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was listed on the Falcons’ injury report as limited due to a knee bruise in an estimation, as the team did not practice Wednesday.
Penix was hurt during Atlanta’s 20-10 road loss Sunday to the San Francisco 49ers but played the entire game and completed 21 of 38 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown.
“Mike had the bone bruise (on Sunday), so that’s day to day,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said on Wednesday. “Tomorrow, we’ll have more answers, and then Friday, we’ll have more answers, and then Saturday, we’ll have more answers with Mike.”
Atlanta (3-3) hosts the Miami Dolphins (1-6) on Sunday.
Morris called Penix “the ultimate tough guy,” but the team will determine his availability after observing him in live practice situations.
“Obviously, it’s going to be based on movement,” Morris said. “It’s going to be based on what he can do, all the stuff that he has. The organization will not put him in harm’s way.”
The coach finds it reassuring that veteran Kirk Cousins can step in for Penix, and he believes in the quarterback. Cousins started the first 14 games last season after signing a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta before he was benched in favor of rookie Penix.
“It’ll be based on Mike’s injury status and Mike’s injury status alone,” Morris said of Sunday’s starter.
Atlanta selected Penix with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Washington.
Penix, 25, has started all six games this season and completed 61 percent of his passes for 1,409 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed 17 times for 43 yards and one TD.
The Falcons’ injury report listed linebacker Divine Deablo (forearm), edge rusher Jalon Walker (groin) and cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring) as non-participants.
The estimation listed Penix as limited, along with wide receiver Darnell Mooney (hamstring), running back Tyler Allgeier (hip/knee), cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (calf), offensive tackle Jake Matthews (ankle) and defensive lineman Zach Harrison (knee).
Safety Jordan Fuller (knee) and offensive lineman Storm Norton (foot) were estimated as full participants.