November 21, 2024

In a crucial NFC matchup with Philadelphia this week, the Atlanta Falcons look to boost their playoff chances, but quarterback Matt Ryan won’t be available.

Ryan will miss at least one game due to a turf toe injury, according to coach Mike Smith’s statement on Monday. In Sunday’s 20-17 victory over Tampa Bay, Chris Redman, who replaced Ryan, will get the start against the Eagles.

Redman hadn’t attempted a pass since his final start in the 2007 season finale prior to the victory over the Buccaneers. With 23 seconds left, Redman completed 23 of 41 throws for 243 yards and two touchdowns, including a 5-yard touchdown toss to Roddy White. Against Tampa Bay, Redman also had no interceptions.

It was good to get back out there and get back into the game and get a feel for it,” Redman said Monday.

Ryan did not return after he injured his right big toe on the first series against the Buccaneers. Smith would not speculate on Ryan’s status beyond this week.

“During the week he’s going to work with our medical staff diligently to get back as quick as he can,” Smith said.

The Falcons (6-5) lost three more starters on offense against Tampa Bay.

Running back Michael Turner aggravated his right ankle sprain in his return after missing one game. The team also lost offensive linemen Harvey Dahl (right ankle and Achilles tendon) and Sam Baker (left elbow).

Smith added he plans to carry only two quarterbacks on the roster against the Eagles. Rookie John Parker Wilson, who has never been on the active roster for a game, will be Redman’s backup.

The Falcons released quarterback D.J. Shockley earlier this season.

Ryan has passed for 2,291 yards with 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He has completed 59.4 percent of his passes, a slight dropoff from his 61.1 percentage last year when he won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Redman, Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich were Atlanta’s starting quarterbacks in 2007. The team struggled to a 4-12 finish following the NFL suspension of former Falcons star Michael Vick, who will return to Atlanta this week as Philadelphia’s backup.

Redman passed for four touchdowns with no interceptions in the Falcons’ 44-41 win over Seattle to end the 2007 season.

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