Ryan back after one-day absence
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said he will be ready for Saturday’s NFC divisional playoff game at Philadelphia after missing Tuesday’s practice for personal reasons.
Ryan was back with the team for Wednesday’s practice. He didn’t disclose details of his absence beyond indicating he was attending to a family matter.
“I just want to thank everybody for their support and outreach. It means a lot to me,” Ryan said. “I’ve always tried to keep my family life private, and I hope you can respect that and I’d like to continue to do that moving forward.”
Ryan and his wife, Sarah, announced in November they expect to become first-time parents in April with twins.
Coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday there were “no setbacks for him or for us” due to Ryan’s excused absence Tuesday, when the game plan was installed.
“He is one of the best competitors and most professional ballplayers I’ve ever been around, so no adjustment for that,” Quinn said. “We’re fortunate he’s back here today and back into it.”
Ryan attended Tuesday’s team meeting before missing practice.
“I was able to get the game plan and kind of get the information I needed yesterday,” Ryan said. “I’ll be very well prepared for the game on Saturday.”
The Eagles are the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Falcons beat the Los Angeles Rams 26-13 in a wild-card game last weekend.
For Ryan, a native of Philadelphia, Saturday’s game is a homecoming.
“I’m used to it now,” said Ryan, who is in 10th NFL season since being drafted out of Boston College. “… The one nice part is there will be a lot of familiar faces, friendly faces after the game, which is always nice.”
Ryan hasn’t missed a game since the penultimate week of the 2009 season, so Tuesday’s practice was unusual without him around. Veteran backup Matt Schaub took Ryan’s place with the first-team offense.
“It was different,” center Alex Mack said. “He’s a very consistent part and staple of this team. I’m glad he’s back today, and we’ll move forward.”
Practice notes
Quinn strongly denied speculation offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian might make a lateral move to Seattle to direct the Seahawks’ offense. Sarkisian and Seattle coach Pete Carroll worked together at the University of Southern California. Quinn previously worked as an assistant to Carroll in Seattle. “Zero chance of that,” Quinn said. … For the second straight day, wide receiver Julio Jones (ankle injury) did not participate in practice. It has not been unusual for Jones to miss practices early in the week this season, but he has not missed a game. … Running back Devonta Freeman (knee), linebacker LaRoy Reynolds (knee) and wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (knee) were limited.