National Football League

Ryan sits out another practice for Falcons

Published Dec. 11, 2009 12:05 a.m. ET

foxsports

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan sat out another practice Thursday because of a toe injury, making it increasingly unlikely he'll be able to play against the unbeaten New Orleans Saints.

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While Ryan took part in a walkthrough, which was closed to the media, he wasn't even at the indoor practice facility for the main 2 1/2-hour workout. Chris Redman ran the first-team offense.

Even so, coach Mike Smith isn't ready to say for sure that Ryan won't play Sunday.

"He was with us in the walkthrough," Smith said. "He did more today than he did yesterday. We would make an announcement if we knew for sure he wouldn't play. We're not ready to make that announcement."

Ryan hurt the big toe on his right foot in a Nov. 29 victory over Tampa Bay. He sat out last weekend's game against Philadelphia, along with four other offensive starters, and the Falcons (6-6) lost 34-7 to severely damage their playoff hopes.

Now, it looks as though they might have to face the Saints (12-0) without Ryan and star running back Michael Turner, who also missed practice and is struggling to get over a lingering high ankle sprain.

Turner was the NFL's second-leading rusher a year ago and is pacing the Falcons again with 864 yards despite missing two games and part of two others since he was initially hurt Nov. 15. He tried to come back two weeks ago and re-injured his right ankle.

"We're missing a Pro Bowl running back and our franchise quarterback," receiver Roddy White moaned.