The Atlanta Falcons have given no indication that veteran quarterback Matt Ryan (ankle) could or will be back on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, but he took a step in a positive direction on Friday, participating in the portion of practice that was open to the media.
Matt Ryan is out on the practice field for the first time this week. May get clarification on his status for Sunday today. #Falcons
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) October 25, 2019
Ryan had been sidelined for the team’s first two practices this week, recovering from a high ankle sprain that knocked him out of a Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
After appearing in a boot to start the week, expectations were relatively low that Ryan could make it back this week or at any point in the immediate future, but if he’s already out there practicing, it should give the Falcons and their fans some much-needed optimism.
Ryan and the Falcons have vastly under-performed this season, going 1-6 over the first seven weeks of the season and having to face questions about potential coaching staff changes.
Ryan’s return likely wouldn’t stop that speculation, but it would provide Atlanta a better opportunity to win than if they were to ride things out on the back of Matt Schaub, who will start in place of Ryan in the event the veteran is unable to go.
