"Falcons running back Michael Turner has been receiving continued treatment for his right high ankle sprain, but he remains uncertain how close he is to returning to action.

"I'm just taking it easy right now and hoping for the best," Turner said Monday.

The team's leading rushing, Turner didn't play against the New York Giants on Sunday, nor did he test the injury, suffered against Carolina on Nov.15, by running on the field before the game.

"We didn't get that far," Turner said.

Jason Snelling, who filled in for Turner, is likely to do so again Sunday against Tampa Bay. But Turner doesn't want to rule himself out yet.

"It's an ankle sprain," Turner said. "These injuries are kind of like funny. Some guys take six weeks to bounce back, but I don't think I'll take that long. I'm just trying to get back to my normal self again."

While playing at Northern Illinois in 2001, Turner suffered a sprained left ankle and missed only one game. But he couldn't compare the two injuries.

"In '01, I can't remember that far back," Turner said, laughing. "They don't ever tell you exactly. They just project how long you can be out. It's not you're definitely out this amount of time because it's a sprain. It could easily heal back faster than expected."

Snelling had two rushing touchdowns and 89 total yards. He had 25 carries for 76 yards and three catches for 13 yards.

"Jason did good," Turner said. "He made some nice runs, had some nice blocks. He was doing whatever it takes to get the job done.""