Falcons Look Increasingly Likely to Start Matt Schaub Sunday as Matt Ryan Misses Practice Again

The Atlanta Falcons have proven to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this year, as they've lost five straight and have a 1-6 record on the season. And now, things may be getting even worse.

According to insider Ian Rapoport, quarterback Matt Ryan did not practice today as he nurses his injured ankle. Matt Schaub got the starter's reps, and it looks increasingly like he'll be under center for Atlanta on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

As he continues to nurse his ailing sprained ankle, #Falcons QB Matt Ryan is not expected to practice today. As they get Matt Schaub ready to go...
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 24, 2019

If Schaub gets the start, it'll be for the first time since 2015 when he was a member of the Baltimore Ravens.

Notably, Schaub has started for Atlanta before-- one game each in 2004 and 2005 in place of Michael Vick.

Matt Ryan didn't practice today and his status for Sunday is uncertain.

Backup QB Matt Schaub talked his preparation if called upon to start on Sunday: https://t.co/M5io3Lm69C
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) October 23, 2019

Schaub had himself a nice run under center when he was with the Houston Texans from 2007-2013, particularly in 2009, when he led the league in completions (396), attempts (583) and passing yards (4,770) while posting a career-best 29 touchdowns.

A lot has changed for the 38-year-old since then, however. There aren't many like-for-like replacements out there for a former MVP like Matt Ryan.