Falcons getting closer to decision on Ryan

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH – In the next day or so, the Falcons will likely know more about quarterback Matt Ryan's ability to play on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

The team's starting quarterback tested his turf toe injury on Wednesday during the team’s closed walk-through session.

“Matt worked with the trainers today,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said Wednesday. “He participated in our walk-through this morning. We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow. Hopefully we can advance this.”

The team will monitor the reaction to the workout and see if they can move on to more intense training.

“Definitely, with the injuries, with all of our guys, we don’t want to put them out there and go full speed right away,” Smith said. “We want to test the waters. Hopefully there won’t be a lot of residual [aftereffects], and we’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.”

Smith was not ready to rule Ryan out of Sunday’s game with the New Orleans Saints.

“I’m very encouraged,” Smith said. “I’m a positive thinker, and I’m very encouraged that Matt wants to get back. He’s worked extremely hard with the people in our athletic performance and training rooms. Our mind-set is to try to get him back as soon as we can.”

Ryan initially suffered the injury in the first series of the Tampa Bay game on Nov. 29. He did not play last week against Philadelphia and was replaced in the lineup by Chris Redman.

The normal healing time for a turf toe injury is anywhere from eight to 12 weeks, according to Dr. Steven Weinfeld, the chief of foot and ankle surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.

Redman played well in relief of Ryan against Tampa Bay, driving the team in for a winning touchdown. Last week against Philadelphia, with four other starters out and a makeshift offensive line, Redman was under duress and struggled.

"I'm just going to prepare like I have to play," Redman said.

The Saints are 12-0 and clinched the NFC South Division title last week. The Falcons are 6-6 and hoping to make a run for one of the two NFC wildcard berths. The Saints defeated the Falcons 35-27 on Nov. 2.

The Saints are preparing for both quarterbacks, but expect Ryan to play.

"If Matt has a chance to play and he's feeling comfortable, we expect him to line up and play," Saints safety Darren Sharper said. "He's their franchise quarterback. We'll always prepare like he's going to play unless he's ruled out."

Ryan played in the previous matchup and completed 19 of 42 passes for 289 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He did guide the Falcons to a 34-20 victory over the Saints last season at the Georgia Dome.

In addition to Ryan, running back Michael Turner (ankle), center Todd McClure (knee), tight end Justin Peelle (concussion), right guard Harvey Dahl (ankle) and cornerback Chris Houston (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday.

Peelle has been ruled out of Sunday's game.

Wide receiver Michael Jenkins (ankle), who did not play against Philadelphia, returned to practice but was limited.

McClure, the elder statesman of the team, has made 123 consecutive starts.

"I just got twisted up a little bit," McClure said. "I'm going to be good. I'll be ready to go on Sunday."