Leading up to the Week 6 Monday Night Football matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills, all the quarterback talk centered on Josh Allen — rightfully so, given the territory of being the reigning MVP. However, it was Michael Penix Jr. who came away with the win on Monday night.
Penix completed 20 of 32 passes for 250 yards and a touchdown, helping the Falcons build a 14-point halftime lead. On Atlanta’s final possession, Penix went 4 of 5 on a 14-play, 68-yard drive capped by a game-sealing 33-yard field goal from Parker Romo to make it 24-14.
However, during that drive, Penix appeared to injure his right arm — fortunately, his non-throwing arm. The second-year quarterback looked to be heavily favoring it, and Atlanta ran four straight plays to close out the drive. While it was clearly part of a clock-management strategy, it might have also been a precaution to protect Penix.
Once Penix reached the sideline, cameras showed him holding his right arm. He later spoke briefly with head coach Raheem Morris, seemingly about the injury.
“Penix’s right arm is hurt,” Justin Goosman pointed out. “Not sure if the broadcast has mentioned it but it is clear his right arm is hurt. Penix is left handed but that’s not a good sign for next week.”
Neither Penix nor Morris mentioned the issue during the postgame press conference, and the quarterback appeared fine afterward. More clarity on his health could come later this week as Atlanta prepares for its Week 7 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Michael Penix Jr. Loses Offensive Lineman Against Bills
While Penix escaped the night with a possible arm concern, he might have lost one of his best offensive linemen against the Bills. Left tackle Jake Matthews exited the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury and was ruled out for the second half.
Michael Jerrell stepped in to replace him and seemed to hold his own, but Matthews’ absence could loom large moving forward. The veteran is in his 12th season — all with the Falcons — and has been one of the most consistent players in franchise history.
“Jake Matthews has the longest start streak in Falcons history and the longest active streak in the NFL,” Falcons reporter Tori McElhaney noted. “Since 1991, he’s 13th in most consecutive starts. I wouldn’t use the term soft when describing Jake.”
No word yet on the severity of Matthews’ injury, but it could prove to be one of the most significant setbacks for Atlanta if he’s sidelined long term — especially if Penix is also battling discomfort.
“Uh-oh… Jake Matthews might be the most irreplaceable player on the Atlanta Falcons,” Falcons on SI posted on X.
Michael Penix Jr. Believes Falcons Are ‘Legit’
After the game, Penix was asked about the importance of the Falcons win over the Bills.
“It shows we’re one of the ones,” Penix said. “This team is really good. This team is really legit.”
Somehow, this is the same Falcons team that was shut out 30-0 by the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. Since then, Atlanta has rebounded with two straight wins, outscoring opponents 58-41.
Beating a team like the Bills — even one now on a three-game skid — serves as a major statement for a team that many doubted earlier this season. The Falcons will look to build on the momentum as they head into another primetime matchup in Week 7 on the road against the 49ers.
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