Ryan could return this week

Falcons head coach Mike Smith noted in his Monday press conference that second-year quarterback Matt Ryan may return to the field this weekend as Atlanta prepares to take on the 12-0 New Orleans Saints as they fight for their playoff lives.

This past weekend, Ryan was replaced by Chris Redman in a rematch with villified quarterback Michael Vick who returned to Atlanta with his new team the Philadelphia Eagles.

Redman finished the day 23 of 44 for 235 and was generally ineffective with two costly interceptions while throwing a touchdown late in the game to make the final score 34-7.

Ryan has had an up-and-down sophomore campaign while trying to lead the Falcons back to the playoffs for the second straight season, completing 59.4% of his passes for 2,291 yards, 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. At 6-6, Ryan and the Falcons will need to win their final four games of the season in order to have a realistic chance at making the post season.

Smith said Ryan will likely join the team on the field for their first day of practice this week on Wednesday to see how the foot with a turf-toe injury has progressed.