Ryan tests turf toe injury in closed session

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan 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. " He participated in our walk through this morning. We'll see where he's at tomorrow. Hopefully we can advance this. When we get some good signs, we'll let you guys know."

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 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 mindset is to try to get him back as soon as we can."

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.

Smith is hopeful that Turner can return to practice on Thursday.