Falcons will lean on reserves down stretch

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Unlike last season's magic carpet ride to the playoffs, this season the Falcons have been hit by a rash of major injuries.

The team has endured 11 major injuries and will be without quarterback Matt Ryan on Sunday when they face the Philadelphia Eagles in a game with massive playoff implications.

Ryan, who's out with a nasty turf-toe injury, and three other offensive starters did not practice Wednesday because of injuries.

Running back Michael Turner (ankle sprain), wide receiver Michael Jenkins (ankle) and right guard Harvey Dahl (ankle and Achilles tendon) did not practice and are "day to day" for Sunday's game.

The Falcons would like to get as healthy as possible down the stretch and make another playoff run. Of the eight teams in the NFC with over .500 records, they have the third-easiest remaining schedule, behind New Orleans (22-33, .400) and Green Bay (27-28, .490).

The Falcons' remaining opponents are 28-27, .509.

"We need everybody out there," Turner said. "We just want a full roster. We are just fighting to get our full roster back, but that's the NFL. Teams have to deal with injuries."

Wide receiver Harry Douglas (knee), first-round draft pick Peria Jerry (knee), second-round pick William Moore (knee), long snapper Mike Schneck (broken ribs) and cornerback Brian Williams (knee) have all been lost for the season.

Left tackle Sam Baker (one game, parts of two others), wide receiver Brian Finneran (three), fullback Ovie Mughelli (two), running back Jerious Norwood (six) and Turner (one, part of two others) have all missed games.

Baker, who suffered a concussion and a back injury, was the only starter to miss any games last season. He missed 11 starts, but played in eight games, making five starts.

"When you get into Week 12 and beyond in the NFL there are going to be guys with lots of bumps and bruises," Smith said. "You are going to have guys who have to step in and play."

So instead of having Ryan, Turner, Dahl and Baker on the field Sunday for the game-winning drive, the Falcons had to use Chris Redman, Jason Snelling, Brett Romberg and Will Svitek.

"One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity," Smith said.

Redman at least goes into this game knowing that he will start.

"Everybody thinks that backup quarterback is the best job in the world until it's time to go in," Redman said. "That's part of it. You have to be ready for any challenge and any situation."

The Falcons carry only seven offensive linemen on their 45-man gameday roster, so after Svitek and Romberg replaced Baker and Dhal on Sunday, they had no more backups.

"I'm always getting mentally and physically prepared to go in there," said Romberg, who replaced Dahl. "It's definitely something that is hard to do."

Svitek finished Sunday's game for Baker, who has been slowed by elbow and ankle injuries.

"I think all of the reserves, we all know our role," Svitek said. "You might not get the reps, but you have to take mental reps and prepare like you're going to be the starter."

The starters will count on the reserves to elevate their level of play.

"This is what you want to do," tight end Tony Gonzalez said. "This is what you love to do. You have to have a passion to go out there and play. I think guys are going to step in and play nicely."