Fantasy Football Cut-N-Go: Matt Ryan Isn't a Safe Week 14 Play

I'll be the first to admit that I rode the back of Matt Ryan to sneak into the playoffs in our fantasy football league here at FanHouse -- a league that is chronicled each week by R.J. White. That said, maybe this post is selfishly geared towards my fantasy needs. But, isn't that what they call creative license?

Ryan missed most of Week 12 and all of Week 13 with turf toe and hasn't been able to practice much since the injury occurred. D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said that Ryan tested his toe in a closed session on Wednesday.

"Matt worked with the trainers today," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. " He participated in our walk through this morning. We'll see where he's at tomorrow. Hopefully we can advance this. When we get some good signs, we'll let you guys know."

Smith was not ready to rule Ryan out of Sunday's game with the New Orleans Saints.

"I'm very encouraged," Smith said. "I'm a positive thinker and I'm very encouraged that Matt wants to get back. He's worked extremely hard with the people in our athletic performance and training rooms. Our mindset is to try to get him back as soon as we can."

The Falcons are in the mix for a wildcard spot, and no one wants to make the post-season more than Mike Smith. But, I don't see him trotting Ryan out to play without being able to give the less-then-mobile quarterback some protection. Steve Wyche of NFL.com said that not only would Ryan have to physically be able to play on Sunday, but so would a few of the injured offensive lineman.

Falcons QB Matt Ryan's status for Sunday's game against the Saints could be based as much on other players' injuries as with the turf toe on his right foot.

The availability of RG Harvey Dahl (ankle) and LT Sam Baker (elbow) could be the final factor in determining if Ryan suits up for a make-or-break game against the NFC South champions at the Georgia Dome, a team source said. Both players, along with Ryan, sat out last Sunday's loss to the Eagles, and all are uncertain about playing against the Saints.

Needless to say, if Ryan was your guy -- just as he was mine -- you may want to grab another option off of your waiver wire. This week I chose to run with Jason Campbell who is owned in only 52% of Fleaflicker fantasy football leagues. You may also want to check out Alex Smith who's only owned in 32% of leagues or Vince Young who has a 38% ownership rate.

Other Fantasy Football Notes

• One of the more popular questions I've been receiving since Steve Slaton was sent to the injured reserve list revolves around Chris Brown and Ryan Moats. People want to know who to keep or add to their roster. I've been saying to anyone who asks that I think Moats will get more touches and also be a part of the passing game, even though Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle says that Brown is still the starter.

• The guys over at Sports Illustrated posted an article about Brian Westbrook practicing with the scout team on Wednesday. He's likely not going to play in Week 14, but the team hasn't ruled him out yet.

• Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times says that Ray Rice was held in check in Week 13 because the Packers used a spy on him for just about every snap of the game. This isn't good news if other teams follow suit.

• Brady Quinn's success over the past three weeks can be directly attributed to the Browns running the no-huddle offense, says Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer.

Cut-N-Go is Fantasy Football FanHouse's weekday roundup of the NFL news with fantasy football impact.