EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner will play Sunday against the New York Jets after missing the last two games because of injuries.
Both Ryan (turf toe) and Turner (sprained ankle) warmed up a few hours before the game to test their availability for the Falcons, who were eliminated from playoff contention Saturday with the Dallas Cowboys' road victory over the previously undefeated New Orleans Saints.
Ryan had been sidelined since the first series of a Nov. 29 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His replacement, Chris Redman, lost two consecutive starts. Turner missed three of the last four games because of a recurring ankle sprain.
As expected, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was in the starting lineup after missing one game with a sprained right knee.
Falcons starting defensive end Jamaal Anderson (chest) was inactive and replaced by Chauncey Davis. Cornerback Chris Houston (hamstring) also wasn't active, with Brent Grimes filling in for Atlanta. Right guard Harvey Dahl (ankle) missed his third consecutive start and was replaced by Quinn Ojinnaka.
Also inactive for the Falcons were fullback Verron Haynes, wide receiver Troy Bergeron and tight ends Jason Radar and Keith Zinger. John Parker Wilson was the No. 3 quarterback.
Jets center Nick Mangold, who missed two days of practice with an illness, was active and in the starting lineup. The Jets' inactives were wide receiver David Clowney, offensive lineman Robert Turner, quarterback Kevin O'Connell, cornerback Marquice Cole, running back Chauncey Washington and linebackers Kenwin Cummings and Marques Murrell. Erik Ainge was the No. 3 quarterback.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
