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Injuries bite team

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Updated Nov 30, 2009 4:30 AM ET
     
 
The Falcons' win over Tampa Bay came at a considerable price. Over the course of the game, quarterback Matt Ryan, running back Michael Turner, guard Harvey Dahl and, depending on whom you ask, offensive tackle Sam Baker all left the game with injuries. Their prognoses for Sunday's game against Philadelphia and beyond are uncertain. Ryan was out after the first series with a toe injury on his right foot, replaced by Chris Redman. Turner left in the third quarter after reinjuring his right ankle. Dahl and Baker left in the first half. According to a press box announcement, Dahl injured his right ankle and Achilles tendon. While coach Mike Smith said Baker was "banged up in a number of areas," Baker said he was taken out of the game for Will Svitek because of his performance. Smith was typically reticent in discussing the injuries following the game. "Guys, I really wish I could tell you," Smith said of Ryan. "I know that he's in the training room. He's been looked at. I know it's a toe injury. When we get to Wednesday and see where he's at, we'll have a little bit better prognosis." Ryan finished the first series, but was treated on the sidelines following the drive. After trainers taped his right foot, Ryan left the field and later returned. He attempted pass dropbacks on the sideline but avoided putting weight on his right foot. Turner left the game when it appeared his ankle bent awkwardly as he was tackled at the end of a run. Running backs Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood filled in for him afterward. Brett Romberg filled in for Dahl. Romberg, a center who plugs in at guard, said he last played guard last season. With four offensive starters out of the lineup, the team predictably struggled. The Falcons' yards-per-play average (3.9) was the lowest of the season, and their third-down conversion rate (31 percent) was the third lowest. Not great numbers against a team that entered the game 27th in the NFL in total defense and leading up to the Falcons game demoted its defensive coordinator and switched schemes. Wide receiver Roddy White said he was "kind of devastated" upon learning that his quarterback wasn't coming back in the game. He also suggested that Norwood would probably start at running back in Turner's place on Sunday against Philadelphia. "We played bad," White said. "We know we're better than that." The Falcons will be at home Sunday against Philadelphia, which is 7-4 and fighting with the Falcons (6-5) for an NFC playoff spot. "Obviously, we'd like to have everybody dressed up, suited up and ready to play, but it's not always like that," center Todd McClure said. "We've got to have guys ready to step up and make plays." Falcons 20, Buccaneers 17
Tagged: Michael Turner, Falcons, Brett Romberg, Matt Ryan, Sam Baker, Roddy White, Harvey Dahl, Jerious Norwood

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