Ryan (ankle) has been cleared to play against Carolina on Sunday, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In last week's 26-9 win against New Orleans, Ryan returned after a one-game absence due to an ankle strain, completing 20 of 35 passes for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also ran for 41 yards. With Ryan back in the lineup, the Falcons are poised to contend for a playoff spot this season. They're first in the NFC South with a 5-1 record. Prior to his injury, Ryan had led the NFL in passing yards per game (276.8) and was closing in on his third straight year with at least 300 yards through the air. His top target while he was healthy was Julio Jones, who had nine catches for 140 yards and a touchdown during that span. In addition to Jones, Roddy White and Taylor Gabriel also provide Ryan with options out wide. The Falcons' offense as a whole is ranked second in the NFL behind only Kansas City with 393 points scored so far this season. Atlanta will look to Ryan to lead them to another successful season after he came back from multiple injuries over the past few years to help guide the team to the playoffs each time out.