Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (ankle sprain) and cornerback Desmond Trufant (turf toe) returned to practice on Wednesday, according to the team’s official injury report.
Ryan and Trufant were both limited along with guard Jamon Brown (foot), guard Wes Schweitzer (head), guard James Carpenter (knee) and tight end Jaedon Graham (knee).
Backup running back Ito Smith is out of the concussion protocol, but has a neck injury and did not practice. Defensive end John Cominsky (ankle) did not practice.
“It was productive for me,” Ryan said of his return. “Productive for us on a Wednesday with the work that we got done today. We just have to focus on continuing to improve throughout the week.”
Ryan missed the last game, snapping a streak of 163 consecutive starts.
“It’s obviously not fun when you’re not able to go,” Ryan said. “I’ve been fortunate and I’ve been lucky throughout my career to be durable and stay on the field.
“I work hard at that, but sometimes you can’t go. That’s part of this business, too. You just have to deal with it and focus on whatever the challenges that you are going through at that point with trying to get better.”
Matt Schaub started in the 27-20 loss to Seattle and passed for 460 yards.
In seven starts, Ryan has completed 202 of 285 passes (70.9%) for 2,170 yards, 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has a passer rating of 98.7.
Ryan's injury, which was suffered after he was sacked by Rams defensive star Aaron Donald, was described as a "high ankle sprain" by Dr. David. J. Chao, a former NFL team doctor for 17 years. He also projected that Ryan would miss a week or two.
Quinn said Ryan pushed hard to play in the last game against Seattle.
Ryan missed two games during the 2009 season with a turf toe injury suffered in Week 11.
Trufant suffered his injury against Houston on Oct. 6. He missed the last three games. He has the team’s two interceptions this season.
Before the bye week he was running off to the side with the trainers, which is normally the first step to returning to practice.
Rookie Kendall Sheffield, a fourth-round pick from Ohio State, has started in his place. Sheffield has played well over 242 defensive snaps (44.2%). He has one forced fumble and 19 tackles.
If healthy, Trufant may help stabilize things in the secondary, which has given up 31 pass plays for 20 yards or more and 19 touchdown passes.
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