ATLANTA -- Falcons quarterback Chris Chandler, plagued by injuries throughout his career, sat out the second half of Sunday's 35-6 loss to St. Louis because of a sprained left ankle.

Chandler was hurt on the next-to-last play of the first half after completing a 19-yard pass to Shawn Jefferson.

Offensive guard Kynan Forney was attempting to block Rams end Grant Wistrom, but knocked him into Chandler's right side. The quarterback's left leg twisted under his body as he went down.

"I threw the ball and saw it halfway to the receiver, then I was hit," Chandler said. "There was no break or anything like that. My ankle and knee were twisted, especially the ankle. It is just a strain."

Coach Dan Reeves wasn't sure if Chandler would be able to play next Sunday's game against New Orleans.

Chandler was 14-of-18 for 123 yards, but also threw an interception that was returned for St. Louis' first touchdown. He was replaced by Michael Vick, the NFL's No. 1 draft pick this season.

The Falcons trailed only 14-6 when Chandler was hurt, but St. Louis pulled away in the final two quarters.

The 36-year-old Chandler has never made it through a complete season with the Falcons since joining the team in 1997.

Before Sunday, he sustained a concussion and rib injury this season, causing him to leave two games and miss another one entirely.