FLOWERY BRANCH — Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan continues to be hampered by a lingering toe injury.

Ryan was unable to practice Wednesday.

Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner, who missed last week’s loss to Philadelphia with a sprained ankle, also did not practice.

Falcons coach Mike Smith has not ruled Ryan out for Atlanta’s home game against New Orleans on Sunday. Ryan participated in the team’s morning walk throuh.

Unless Ryan improves dramatically, the Falcons (6-6) are likely to start Chris Redman for the second straight week. The NFC South champion Saints (12-0) beat Atlanta 35-27 at the Louisiana Superdome six weeks ago.

“With the injuries, with all of our guys we don’t want to put them out there and go full speed right away,” Smith said. “We want to test the waters. Hopefully there won’t be a lot of residual and we’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.”

Ryan’s last snap was on the first series of the Falcons’ 20-17 win over Tampa Bay two weeks ago.

Turner, who has missed two of the last three games, joined two other offensive starters on the sidelines Wednesday. Center Todd

McClure (knee) and right guard Harvey Dahl (ankle) also couldn’t practice.

Three offensive starters were limited: Left tackle Sam Baker (elbow) and receivers Roddy White (knee) and Michael Jenkins (ankle).

First-team cornerback Chris Houston didn’t participate because of a sore hamstring.