Matt Ryan suffered an ankle sprain during Atlanta's 27-point loss to the Los Angeles Rams and didn't practice when the team returned to work on Wednesday.
With Ryan's status uncertain for Sunday's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks (5-2), backup quarterback Matt Schaub is currently taking all of the snaps with the Falcons' offense.
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Schaub, 38, has started 92 games in his 15-year career and is more than capable of leading the Falcons (1-6) if his number is called upon.
As for how his routine has changed this week with Ryan sidelined, it's changed quite a bit in terms of what he's asked to do at practice. Rather than primarily being used to help the defense get ready, Schaub is leading the huddle and getting reps with Atlanta's starting offense.
Danny Etling is on Atlanta's practice squad and is helping give the Falcons the scout team looks in place of Schaub.
"Everything on the field is ramped up a little bit," Schaub said. "But as far as my preparation, that doesn't change. My preparation is still the same."
The Falcons are coming off their worst offensive performance of the season and will be looking to rebound against Seattle.
Schaub was pleased with the way the unit responded in the first day of practice.
"I think it was good," Schaub said. "The mindset, the intent was really good. I thought guys minds were really right today."
Falcons coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter have both expressed confidence in Schaub if he's the starter on Sunday.
"If he can't, that's the reason Matt Schaub is here is for moments like that," Quinn said. "If he is called upon, he'll certainly be ready to do that, much like it is at every position."
Quinn said he expects to know more on Ryan's possible availability by the end of the week.
