Falcons face tough calls on Ryan, Turner
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan injured his toe during the first series of the Nov. 29 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Photo by CURTIS COMPTON/CCompton@ajc.com
THE INFIRMARY – Last season, you knew the law of injury averages would catch up to the Falcons, but you never thought it would happen all the very next season.
Tight end Justin Peelle, a part-time starter depending on formation, will be the latest member to miss a start this season.
He suffered a “head” injury against the Eagles. The league’s shifting policy on concussion injuries is designed basically to protect players from themselves. So he’s down for the Saints game.
There will some news later today on the progress of quarterback Matt Ryan’s turf toe injury and Michael Turner’s high right ankle sprain. Also, looking forward to the update on Todd McClure’s knee. Ol’ Mud Duck is probably just fine and you know he’s going to try to keep his streak of 2,346 starts going.
Michael "The Burner" Turner ran for 151 yards in the last matchup with the Saints.
In the sports writing game, sometimes you have to state the obvious. So here goes: Ryan and Turner are needed if the Falcons are going to spoil the Saints’ undefeated season.
Both are tough and determined athletes and are going to do everything they can to get on the field. Last week, Turner said if he gets cleared and is breathing, he’s going to play.
Ryan, while he’s hasn’t done any interviews since his injury, played most of the 2006 season at Boston College on a broken foot. He also came back fast from a sprained ankle that season and only missed on game. Hope he’s in the open locker room today to share some thoughts with the media so we can pass them along to you all.
Two doctors told me if his turf toe sprain was mild enough, the Falcons could put a steel insert or a carbon fiber plate under the bottom of the big toe to force it to stay in place. He might still have some trouble pushing off his back foot while throwing.
Both injuries are two or the hardest to fight back from. Turf toe is really wicked and normally takes eight to 12 weeks to
The Falcons cheerleaders will need the fans help to re-take the dome after last week's game.
heal, according to Dr. Steven Weinfeld, the chief of foot and ankle surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.
“A lot of these types of injuries can become chronic,” said Dr. Weinfeld. “If the player feels better, he might not be all better and then will aggravate the thing throughout the rest of the season. Then it becomes a chronic condition until the offseason when you can stay off of it and rest the foot.”
The Falcons will have to some key medical decisions this week. While Coach Mike Smith told us that the “Sky is not falling,” the playoffs are on the line. But how wise will it be to rush Ryan and Turner out there against the Saints and risk long term/chronic issues?
Decisions, decisions?
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104 comments Add your comment
John
December 9th, 2009
12:42 pm
I rather have Vick anyday playing in the redzone over McNabb.Vick make the opposing defense confuse when he is playing and Mcnabb has been struggling his career in the redzone.I bet you if you get any true football fans and ask them who you rather have Vick or McNabb in the redzone and Vick will win and probably overall for that position.McNabb can open things up and get you down the field but always have problems strugglond at the very end.He can’t finish the job.Eagles need to play Vick more or 3rd down conversion and redzone.Vick will be a starter with another team next year.Buffulo,Vikings,49ers,Raiders were he will be in 2010 and for as the falcons.They need to let Matt and Turner rest and get well because the playoffs is over for them.I see the Cowboys and falcons out and the Giants holding the number 6th spot for the playoffs.
Joe Bag O' Donuts
December 9th, 2009
12:58 pm
Mv#777 hey moron we dont’”HAVE” Vick anymore and for very good reason. I wish you and the rest of the MV7 kool aid drinking so called fans would get that part right! He’s gone for a reason you twit!!!
midnite
December 9th, 2009
1:09 pm
Choke
DOL told YOU to stay on topic, before you got booted. LMAO at you dog killer.
MCook
December 9th, 2009
1:20 pm
To be a home dog at 9-10…
gotta take the GA Falcons.
not the atlanta falcons anymore to me.
midnite
December 9th, 2009
1:24 pm
I think after last Sunday Arthur Blank’s idea to move the Falcons to the northern suburbs is the correct move to make. I’m in.
MCook
December 9th, 2009
1:25 pm
BTW, good work DOL…
AndyC
December 9th, 2009
1:50 pm
The sky isn’t falling?
The sky already fell. The Falcons are done. This is coming from a long-time Falcons fan that can see the writing on the wall.
Row 3
December 9th, 2009
1:55 pm
Retired on the lake…Great Poem, I may make some of that Kool-Aid. Where can I get a 30 year old picture of Snoopy?
SeenThisB4
December 9th, 2009
2:21 pm
Let the gimpy QB and RB play! They get paid to play, not to rest. Send them in, maybe we can covert those injuries into chronic injuries, that who knows, might last right through the off-season into next season! Let’em play!
Saints 38
falcs 10
Matt
December 9th, 2009
2:58 pm
Why bring Turner back too early again? Years of empirical evidence shows that high-ankle sprains take 4-6 weeks to heal properly, and it’s usually closer to 6 weeks. Turner should be done until at least week 17. Any earlier and coach Smith should be fired.
100%
December 9th, 2009
3:02 pm
CHOKE!!
“Prior to throwing that 5 yard td, Vick threw a 43 yard bomb between 2 defenders, with a tight spiral that the CHOKE can only drool about”
Lol since when was 43 yards considered a bomb?..And lol another thing, If it wasnt for our awful secondary that ball wouldve been a pick because it wasnt a good throw at all..
And 2 all those who let this guy get 2 you..Listen just relax a little bit..He does all of this blogging just 2 get a rise out of yall and its quite funny that yall would even entertain some of the things he says when all you got 2 do is break it down and see hes just having fun with it..I love all his post 2 be honest..Dont let him get 2 you guys man have a sense of humor because thats all its about Everybody who knows football knows that Matt Ryan will soon be a superstar and take us 2 another super bowl..Give it time and dont let this average season hes having change any way you felt prior 2 when the season started..We have a special QB folks in a couple years there will be no debating that!!
I sure do miss vick though man..
PreyDawg
December 9th, 2009
3:14 pm
What a bunch of women on this blog today!! (Use Whiney voice here) Rest em…we cant be the Saints…we cant make the playoffs. Dont any of you ladies listen to Herm Edwards. YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAMES!! The heck we cant beat the Saints. We played them tougher at home than anybody else has. We would have won but for a fluke tipped pass.
The goal this year was the same as every year. WIN THE SUPER BOWL. Not just a 9 win season. If Ryan and Turner think they can gut it out. LET EM!! Play to win the games NOW. To heck with next year. He has got the whole off season to heal up. He is not a running back running on the toe every down. PLAY TO WIN OR STAY HOME AND FORFEIT!!
MCook
December 9th, 2009
3:17 pm
PreyDawg,
Go have another one…
Th
December 9th, 2009
3:31 pm
Smith said all along he was in for the long haul. Let them heal and then bring them back. Our offensive line is so banged up and porous right now I don’t really want to see Ryan getting his head kicked in back there. Remember the over-under before the season started was 8 1/2 so we are right where Vegas thought we would be without any of this year’s draft picks doing anything and one of last year’s out too. I still think Smith is doing pretty well considering what he has to work with.
Can someone explain one thing though? After Phillie went up 10-0 and Koenen backed them up inside their five, McNabb had 3rd and long from there. Our D-line was Sidbury, Andersen, Davis and a tackle whose name I did not get. No Abraham, no Bierman, no blitz, easy first down. WTF
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 9th, 2009
3:50 pm
100%
December 9th, 2009
3:02 pm
CHOKE!!
“Prior to throwing that 5 yard td, Vick threw a 43 yard bomb between 2 defenders, with a tight spiral that the CHOKE can only drool about”
“That coming from a fan” who’s NOODLE ARM qb calls a 20 pass deep
planb
December 9th, 2009
4:17 pm
midnite, you’re right. We’ve got to move these Falcons out of the cesspool they’re in. Where many of the fans pull for a dog killer instead of their own team.
robertussen
December 9th, 2009
4:20 pm
the 43 yard throw form vick was not thrown well and was thrown into a secondary with no coverage skills all vick did was throw an inaccurate ball that a decent wr made a good play on props to the wr not vick but you wont shut up ever so i hope mr blank moves this team because you dont deserve nfl atl ATL WORST FANS IN THE NFL
1960's
December 9th, 2009
4:20 pm
Im so sick and tired of the bull with the falcons. The only reason Shockley isn’t the backup is because he looks like Vick. Auther Blank wants all his qb’s to look alike so DJ gets sent to the back of the bus. How the helll does the qb with the strongest arm, the most mobile legs, and a proven leader and the only one of all four qbs to lead a team to a championship get put on the freaking practice squad. The reason is his skin color.
robertussen
December 9th, 2009
4:23 pm
there is no rule that it has to be the ATLANTA falcons. to omaha nb where all there is to do is football
MCook
December 9th, 2009
4:23 pm
GA falcons?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 9th, 2009
4:29 pm
1960’s
December 9th, 2009
4:20 pm
Im so sick and tired of the bull with the falcons. The only reason Shockley isn’t the backup is because he looks like Vick.
“THANK YOU”
MCook
December 9th, 2009
4:34 pm
I’m guessing 90% of the GA falcons are black..
Keep crying…
Manny
December 9th, 2009
4:36 pm
My personal thought is this: Last week against the Eagles was much more important than the game against the Saints. Losing to the Eagles basically killed any playoff hopes that we had. Having Ryan and Turner out there now serves no other purpose for this team….
Except one. Ending the Saints perfect little season. Wouldn’t it feel good to just ruin it all for the Saints by beating them? That would be wonderful! That’s enough for me to see our best players suit up.
However, if the Saints starts to run away with the game, I would pull them. And I wouldn’t have them suit up again this season.
robertussen
December 9th, 2009
4:39 pm
really
pilgrim
December 9th, 2009
4:39 pm
All injuries considered, Smith will put the best players on the field. If they aren’t good enough to compete, get rid of ‘em.
dub366
December 9th, 2009
4:42 pm
SPECTATOR DJ IS BETTER THAN WHAT YOU GOT.
dub366
December 9th, 2009
4:46 pm
No Mike Help kill birds Sunday
dub366
December 9th, 2009
4:49 pm
say it again 1960’s i don’t think they heard you.
MV#777
December 9th, 2009
4:49 pm
THE DOME WON’T ANYWHERE…. BUT YOU WILLLLLLLL…LOL….
MV#777
December 9th, 2009
4:51 pm
THE DOME WON’T GO ANYWHERE!!!!!!!! BUT YOU WILLLLLLLLLLL….LOL…..
Pete P.
December 9th, 2009
4:56 pm
Go Ahead !!! Let Ryan play. Since it doesn’t look like we will make the play-offs this year, why don’t we go and try to damage our franchise player on a game that is guaranted to be a tough fought game against the Saints. By the way, the Saints have one of the toughest defenses in the league right now, so go ahead and play him. I would tend to ask, WHY? WHY risk further injury to one of our Marqee players? Why injure the sould of our team? Why risk our future? Coach Mike? Why would you want to screw up our 2010-2011 season on a slight, if not none existant chance of getting to the playoffs with a bunch of battered players? If we did make the playoffs, how far could we possibly go with all the injuries? Keep Ryan and Turner out until they are 100% healthy, because we don’t have a chance to beat the Saints anyway, or a playoff game at that. With one more year under Ryan’s belt, and making him hungry because he had to sit out the end of the 2009 season, he’ll be more than ready to go in September 2010. Gooooooo Saints.
MCook
December 9th, 2009
5:01 pm
Pete P.
They just don’t get it…
100%
December 9th, 2009
5:08 pm
“That coming from a fan” who’s NOODLE ARM qb calls a 20 pass deep”
What you just said, Did not make any sense my friend..Also, Matt Ryan has no noodle arm..The problem with Ryan is on his deep balls, He throws his ball with 2 much arch(2 High)..Not saying he has a elway arm but his arm is fine..Ive seen the guy throw 60+ yds a couple times and thats nowhere near a noodle arm..Patience is virtue, Ryan is going to be great in this league for a very long time!
Pete P.
December 9th, 2009
5:16 pm
If enough Falcons fans see it the way I’m trying to explain it, go ahead and post it here, maybe the front office fools can get the way we feel. They would surely pass it on to the Coach, wouldn’t you think? Don’t risk further injuries to Ryan or Turner. PLZZZZZZ. Next year isn’t that far away. Ryab is too valuable, Turner too. SIT THEM OUT.
I MUS WRITE
December 9th, 2009
5:17 pm
We need to find a way to draft the DT from Nebraska SUH-The man is a beast reminds me of Haynesworth. Also Houston,Abe,Booker,TJohnson should all be gone before next years opener. No cap hit this year we need two of the best CB’s on the free agent market- Winnfield and Robinson would work for me
Y did we resign C Davis -I swear i havent heard his name all season- The 09 draft is pissn me off big time. Moore/Jerry out the entire year,how are they gonna be better when they have no experience. Owens is okay but dam I expected atleast one of them to help us out. I think Jerry will get injured every year- dont know why ,I just feel that way -
I MUS WRITE
December 9th, 2009
5:19 pm
O yeah -I think Matt Ryan will be a good QB but i had no idea how weak his arm was -maybe thats y we dont stretch the field or go deep…..Im sick of this dink and dump bull shyt.
I MUS WRITE
December 9th, 2009
5:20 pm
Hawks in 1:45 dont be tardy for the party
I MUS WRITE
December 9th, 2009
5:26 pm
Midnite STF UP….. Nobody’s going to Dorravile to watch football……… Maybe the fans were cheering for a guy who’s turned his life around after the establishment gave the man 18 months for a 4 month crime or probation even….Im glad its all over so we dont have to keep hearing about Vick.
DrJ
December 9th, 2009
5:31 pm
DOL, have the coaches worked on Redman’s poor passing results?
George
December 9th, 2009
6:25 pm
Explain the logic of risking long term injury to MR2 and MT33 vs NO, a game vs the NFL South division winner (clinched last week). With three games beyond that, the Falcons have a chance for a 9-7 season and breaking a 4 decade jinx on back to back winning seasons — and that is a huge stretch. I give the Falcons the Tampa away finale in a squeaker and losses otherwise. That’s a 7-9 season. Maybe that will lead to improved draft chances in 2010; that and hopeful trades for a decent o-line and corners who can cover.
And while looking ahead to next season, what Falcons fans have as an annual rite of passage, hope that the Owners and NFLPA come together for the next CBA, or the 2011 season will find football fans going back in full force to NCAA — the NFL will suffer a painful death over time if there is a 2011 lockout. Fans, keep your eye on the ball and ear to the ground.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 9th, 2009
6:38 pm
I MUS WRITE
December 9th, 2009
5:26 pm
Midnite STF UP….. Nobody’s going to Dorravile to watch football
“AMEN”
tyger
December 9th, 2009
7:43 pm
All not Lost
Falcoons beat NO – aint happening – next best luck and help:
Week 14
Philly > NYG – either way helps
SD > Dal – not likely, but prayer helps
Chi > GB – huge rivalry, Lovie ain’t dead yet
NO > Atl – huge rivalry, will Coons rollover 2x week? yes
Week 15
Wash > NYG – upset, Skins playing better @ home
ATL > NYJ – got to help yourself
NO > Dal – likely scenario
Pitt > GB – bank on it
Week 16
Wash > Dal – archrival Skins rallying late @ home
Car > NYG – wishful thinking, but…
Atl > Buff – c’mon guys, wtf
Sea > GB – it can happen
Week 17
Minn > NYG – probable
Phil > Dal – probable
AZ > GB – probable
INYG/Dallas all square; GB loses to Chi/Pitt and pray to Chief Knockahoma for the Skins to help.
TR
December 9th, 2009
8:56 pm
This isn’t a tough decision. Either they’re back healthy to play or you keep them on the bench for the rest of the year. I don’t believe this team has anything left to win ANY of our remaining games. The backups are the equivalent of H.S. football, the OC has no creativity in actually designing a play that wasn’t born in the 60s and the jury is still not in on BVG. Once BVG gets some decent players then I can judge is defensive play calling. Mularkey on the other hand has a ton of weapons on offense and calls the same five plays a game in different alignments. DLED you need to “Man Up” and start asking the TOUGH questions instead of the “Politically Correct” ones.
1960's
December 9th, 2009
9:05 pm
Im so sick and tired of the bull with the falcons. The only reason Shockley isn’t the backup is because he looks like Vick. Auther Blank wants all his qb’s to look alike so DJ gets sent to the back of the bus. How the helll does the qb with the strongest arm, the most mobile legs, and a proven leader and the only one of all four qbs to lead a team to a championship get put on the freaking practice squad. The reason is his skin color.
hiramsaint
December 9th, 2009
9:14 pm
1960’s———-you are a tard! stop living in the 60’s , it’s about the money man. we’re talkin’ about king arthur… it’s all in the money$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Lesa
December 9th, 2009
9:50 pm
1960’s, if Shockley is so good, how come no other team drafted him? Or picked him up when we cut him? DJ got the most playing time of any of the back-ups in this year’s preseason games. He was given ample opportunity to earn the #2 QB spot and did nothing to earn the job. Arthur Blank is not a racist — he treated Michael Vick like a son.
Suburban White Guy
December 9th, 2009
10:24 pm
A LOT of us will go to Doraville to watch football. We just won’t have to pay $25 to park in someone’s yard. Sounds like moving the Falcons struck a nerve…
Mike "Electrocute Dogs" Vick
December 9th, 2009
10:31 pm
NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!! NERDS!!! 30-24!!!
stendec
December 10th, 2009
12:19 am
Heartless quitter Matt Ryan should stay on sidelines with toe bruise! One season wonder anyway. Hope Saints put 60 points and 600 plus yards on these NFL jokes! Team quit against Michael Sick and Eagles. To Hell with injury excuses! They fall on deaf ears in these quarters. Saints playoff bound. Falcons almost certain to finish with losing record. I personally hope so anyway. No Atlanta professional team has guts or pride. Except maybe the Hawks. Never thought I would type that. GO SAINTS! No mercy please. These untalented quitters do not deserve any. ++STENDEC++
TCCB
December 10th, 2009
12:23 am
AURTHOR BLANK,
PLEASE!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!MOVE THE FALCON. WE CAN USE THE GEORGIA DOME FOR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL; CONTINUE TO GIVE YOUR PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT.
THANKS,
TCCB