FLOWERY BRANCH — Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner aren't sure they will be ready to play after practicing for the first time in nearly three weeks on Thursday.

Both players hope to return Sunday when Atlanta (6-7) visits the New York Jets (7-6). Coach Mike Smith described their participation in practice as "extremely limited."

Ryan, the 2008 NFL offensive rookie of the year, has been sidelined with a turf toe injury since the first series of a win over Tampa Bay on Nov. 29. His replacement, Chris Redman, has lost two straight starts.

With a 17-10 career record in the regular season, Ryan believes coach Mike Smith won't decide on his status until Sunday.

"Mentally, I think just you have to prepare yourself like I have the last two weeks," Ryan said. "Then you try to do everything in rehab and in the training room to get yourself so that your body can get out there, too."

Turner, a first-time Pro Bowl selection last year, has missed three of the last four games with a recurring ankle sprain.

Among running backs with at least 100 carries this year, Turner has a 4.9 average that's tied eighth-best in the NFL.

"You just want to try to get back out there and be productive," Turner said. "It's very important to see where I'm at, to see if the soreness will go away and things like that. I need to see if I can really handle playing and cutting."

Ryan endured a six-game stretch in which he threw 11 interceptions and nine touchdown passes before the Falcons' overtime road loss to the New York Giants four weeks ago.

Pro Bowl receiver Roddy White thought Ryan had a good day of practice.

"He was out there firing the ball everywhere," White said. "He was out there controlling the huddle and telling guys to listen up. That was good."