January 20
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Jeff Schultz
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The Falcons need some fixes. They're not a wreck. (Wrecks don't make the playoffs in three out of four seasons.) But they have problems — offensive line, secondary and defensive line, for starters. They may need to fill holes during free agency, and that means they'll need to create salary space. Some players will have to go. Which brings me to Michael Turner. This should not be taken as the start of a "Dump Michael Turner" movement. The guy finished third in the NFL in rushing with 1,340 yards. But the question of whether to keep him, cut him or trade him (if possible) for a mid-round draft pick is a legitimate one."
December 24
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner, who has a groin injury, returned to practice on Friday. Turner, the team's leading rusher with 1,129 yards, was considered limited, but is expected to start on Monday against the New Orleans Saints. Wide receiver Kerry Meier, a key special teams player, did not practice because of a groin injury and was added to the injury report."
December 23
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons are getting second-year cornerback Dominique Franks ready for nickel back action against the Saints because Kelvin Hayden (dislocated toe) was not cleared to return to Thursday's practice. While Hayden (dislocated toe) did not practice, he spent time working out with the trainers. Running back Michael Turner (groin) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) did not practice. Veterans John Abraham, Todd McClure and Tony Gonzalez were rested and held out of practice."
December 3
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner (groin) and wide receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) returned to practice and were limited participants Friday. Both players, who had not practiced this week, were listed as questionable on the team's official injury report for Sunday's 1 p.m. game against the Houston Texans. Also, starting strongside linebacker Stephen Nicholas (thigh) did not practice and was listed as doubtful along with cornerback Kelvin Hayden. Mike Peterson will take his spot in the lineup if he can't play."
November 21
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Running back Michael Turner set the tone for the Falcons with his physical runs in Sunday's 23-17 victory over Tennessee. He plowed over Tennessee safety Michael Griffin in the first quarter and ran him over again on his way to a 4-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. "I got a couple of guys today, not just him," Turner said. "I was just out there running hard and playing hard for my team. We needed the win. We needed to bounce back from last week.""
November 11
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Records? What records? Michael Turner is closing in on several Falcons franchise standards. He could set or tie two marks Sunday in a key NFC South game against the rival Saints. Yet the running back was, until recently, unaware that the records were within reach. Turner has 23 100-yard rushing games in 3 1/2 seasons with the Falcons, one away from Gerald Riggs' franchise record. He has 46 rushing touchdowns, two shy of Riggs' mark. "I don't even know how far away I am," Turner said this week. "I just go out there and play every week and let the records take care of themselves. If you go out there and play hard, the stats will build up, and they will take care of themselves." Riggs, who"
September 11
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner is a native of Waukegan, Ill., which is just north of Chicago. He grew up watching the Bears and was a big fan. He went to college at Northern Illinois and has about 50 family members and friends planning to attend Sunday's game."
August 28
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Michael Turner has heard it all and is well aware what others say: He gets too many carries. It will take a toll on his body. His production will decrease. It will catch up to him eventually. The Falcons running back laughs at all of this. "It doesn't affect me," Turner said. "Carries are carries. You can't control the flow of the game. Different situations call for run plays. I just have to go out there and be ready every time my number is called. I'm not going to try to save myself, just to try to squeeze extra years out of this league." Turner signed with the Falcons as a free agent in 2008. He has been one of the top running backs in the NFL in his three years as a full-time player. He"
July 30
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner, who has led the NFL in carries in two of the past three seasons, has recovered from offseason groin surgery. "I was just rehabbing my groin stuff like that," Turner said after the second practice Friday. "I was here after I had my surgery." Turner, who was named to his second Pro Bowl, had 334 carries and rushed for 1,371 yards last season. In 2008, he had 376 carries and rushed for 1,699 yards. Turner said the surgery was a success. "It went good," Turner said. "I was out there running and stuff. It went pretty good. It feels good to be back playing football.""
June 20
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Former Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas was in town last week at the Gridiron Greats football camp at the University of West Georgia and shared his thoughts on the Falcons. Thomas helped the Bills four consecutive AFC championships and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. While the Falcons went 13-3 last season and held the No. 1 seed in the NFC entering the playoffs, Thomas was not too impressed. Also, he had a few tips for how to use Falcons running back Michael Turner. "Honestly, I think the Falcons are still a long ways away," Thomas said. "Personally, I think they gave up too much for Julio Jones. They needed to tighten up their defense. That's what hurt"
December 13
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner, with an ugly cut above his left eye, looked like he'd just gone 15 rounds in a heavyweight prize fight. But for Turner and his teammates, it was another positive decision. The back was all smiles besides abrasions after scoring three touchdowns to lead the Falcons to a 31-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. With Turner churning out 112 yards on 28 bruising carries, the Falcons improved to 11-2, posted their seventh consecutive victory and inched closer to clinching a playoff berth. They remain one game ahead of New Orleans (10-3) for the NFC South Division title with three games to play. The Panthers dropped to"
December 6
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Running back Michael Turner and wide receiver Roddy White set some milestones in the victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday. Turner broke the 1,000 yard barrier for the second time in his career with a seven-yard carry in the first quarter. Turner ranks sixth on the Falcons all-time rushing list with 3,632 yards in three seasons. He is 227 yards shy of tying former quarterback Michael Vick (3,859) for fifth all time. Turner scored his eighth touchdown of the year on a five-yard run in the first quarter. The touchdown run marked Turner's seventh touchdown in his last six games and he has now found the end zone in three straight games."
December 2
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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After a season marred by an ankle injury, Falcons running back Michael Turner is closing in on the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the second time in his career. He was on his way to back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons last year when Carolina's Chris Gamble swooped in really low and put a shot on his ankle in mid-November. Turner suffered a high ankle sprain and never returned to full health. "I just wanted to be here for all of the games," said Turner, who has rushed for 974 yards on 223 carries and seven touchdowns. "It was unfortunate that I got hurt last year. Now, I'm in the games and I'm being productive. That's what my team needs me to do." Turner's bruising runs have had a cumulative"
October 27
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Quarterback Matt Ryan was nominated for the FedEX Air player of the week and Michael Turner was nominated for the FedEX Ground player of the week for their showings against the Bengals. Ryan completed 24 of 33 passes for a season-high 299 yards and three touchdowns. Turner rushed for 121 yards on 23 carries and scored two touchdowns. Running back Jason Snelling was nominated for the ground award after his fine showing against Arizona earlier this season. Falcons fans can vote for Turner and Ryan up until 12 noon on Friday at NFL.com/FedEx. Ryan is competing against Baltimore's Joe Flacco and Carolina's Matt Moore."
September 24
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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Atlanta Falcons tailback Michael Turner fully participated in Thursday's practice, indicating he'll likely be good to go against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in the Superdome. Turner, who suffered a minor groin injury last week against Arizona, was reportedly cleared to go back into the game. But he was held out as a precaution since the Falcons were so comfortably ahead."
September 20
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcon running back Michael Turner suffered a groin injury in the 41-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at the Georgia Dome. He finished with 75 yards on nine carries. He was cleared to return to the game, but the Falcons elected to let him rest. "I don't think it was significant," Falcons coach Mike Smith said of Turner's injury. "He was talking about going back in to the ball game. He was cleared to go back in. I don't think it's going to be anything significant. But I have yet to talk to the trainers. I have not had my post-game meeting with the trainers.""
September 20
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcon running back Michael Turner suffered a groin injury in the 41-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at the Georgia Dome. He finished with 75 yards on nine carries. He was cleared to return to the game, but the Falcons elected to let him rest. "I don't think it was significant," Falcons coach Mike Smith said of Turner's injury. "He was talking about going back in to the ball game. He was cleared to go back in. I don't think it's going to be anything significant. But I have yet to talk to the trainers. I have not had my post-game meeting with the trainers.""
August 2
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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That flash zipping around the fields at the Falcons' training camp is the down-sized Michael Turner. After an injury-marred 2009 season, Turner has spent a great deal of time in the training room re-sculpting his body and decreasing his body fat. He appears to be much faster running to the edge and busting through the holes at the line of scrimmage. "I'm feeling great," Turner said. "I'm just trying to get that pop back, that explosiveness that I was getting in the middle of last year. This year I want to start off with it." Turner attributed his slow start last season to being out of shape. He had rounded into shape and appeared primed for another mega-season when he suffered what"
June 23
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Jeff Schultz
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Michael Turner has been just like one of us when it comes to weight gain. He denies it. He denied throughout last season that he was a step slower - before his ankle injury - because he was out of shape. Coaches and team officials stayed mum on the subject. His fans thought the media (like me) was being too hard on him. Then this offseason, Turner started to concede there might have been a problem. In a Q-and-A with our Darryl Ledbetter, he said: "I'm still the same [weight], it just looks different. I just moved it around a little bit to all the right places." Yes, moved it around. Who among us haven't been trying to "move around" 10 pounds for years? Does insurance cover "move it around""
June 8
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Baltimore Ravens got busted violating the organized team activity workout rules and will forfeit their final week of practices. In the two practices that the media has been allowed to witness, the Falcons are not coming close to violating the non-contact rules. There was a little dust-up between Tyson Clabo and Kroy Biermann, but that was about as physical as the practices got. The Falcons coaches seem to be stressing tempo. Getting in and out of plays and drills with some degree of offseason urgency. The Ravens "violated the rules concerning the intensity and tempo of drills," according to the NFL."
March 28
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner was on his way to another mega-season. But things went down a different path after Carolina's Chris Gamble basically planted his shoulder pads on Turner's ankle, resulting in a severe high ankle sprain he could not come back from. In basically half of a season (he played in eight full games and was knocked out of three early), Turner rushed 178 times for 871 yards (4.9 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns. Double the numbers (356 for 1,742 and 20 touchdowns), and he would have essentially matched his breakout 2009 totals with 20 fewer carries. Last season, the Falcons didn't want pay homage to the "Curse of 370? theory after Turner led the NFL in carries"
March 27
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner was on his way to another mega-season. But things went down a different path after Carolina's Chris Gamble basically planted his shoulder pads on Turner's ankle, resulting in a severe high ankle sprain he could not come back from. In basically half of a season (he played in eight full games and was knocked out of three early), Turner rushed 178 times for 871 yards (4.9 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns. Double the numbers (356 for 1,742 and 20 touchdowns), and he would have essentially matched his breakout 2009 totals with 20 fewer carries. Last season, the Falcons didn't want pay homage to the "Curse of 370? theory after Turner led the NFL in carries"
February 23
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The San Diego Chargers released running back LaDainian Tomlinson Monday, after nine seasons. The Falcons plucked away his backup, Michael Turner, two seasons ago in free agency. Turner is currently backed up by Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling. Both are set to become restricted free agents. Norwood will be one if a labor agreement isn't reach by March 1. Snelling, who played strong last season, finshed with a 147-yard rushing effort against Tampa Bay. He'll be a restricted free agent no matter what."
January 7
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Instead of getting ready this week for a first-round playoff game, Falcons coach Mike Smith and his staff are evaluating the 2009 season. He will share their findings with the media Monday, and general manager Thomas Dimitroff will discuss the franchise's plan going forward. NBC's lead NFL analyst Cris Collinsworth and NFL Network commentator Jamie Dukes share their views on five things the Falcons need to do to make the next step to elite status in the league. 1. Avoid injuries and get the running game back on track. The Falcons lost starters for more than 40 games this season. The biggest injury was to running back Michael Turner, who suffered a high right ankle sprain in Game 9. He"
December 22
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Despite re-injuring his ankle twice, Falcons running back Michael Turner will continue to try and play this season. "He started his rehabilitation this morning," Falcons coach Mike Smith said Monday. "We want to get him back as quickly as possible because there are still two more games to play." Turner was originally injured when Carolina's Chris Gamble tackled him in the second quarter of a game on Nov. 15 in Charlotte. After sitting out two weeks, Turner came back against Tampa Bay on Nov. 29 and had 12 carries for 33 yards before he was hit on the ankle again. Then on Sunday on the first play of the game against the Jets, he was hit on the right ankle again by New York safety Jim"
December 21
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner was knocked out the game again Sunday, after taking another shot to his the same injured right ankle. Later, he was not sure the event was a coincidence On the Falcons' first play of the game, Turner charged up the middle for seven yards before New York Jets safety Jimmy Leonhard hit Turner low, plowing into the ankle that is still recovering from a five-week-old high sprain. Turner was originally injured when Carolina's Chris Gamble drilled him in the second quarter of a game on Nov. 15. "Michael did not get out of his first carry," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. Turner expects opposing teams to target his ankle, but stopped short of calling Leonhard's"
December 18
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner returned to practice on Thursday and both are hopeful they will be able to play against the New York Jets on Sunday. Both have missed the last two games. Ryan suffered a turf toe injury and Turner has recurrent a right ankle sprain. "Nobody likes to have to sit down," Ryan said. Turner originally was injured against Carolina on Nov. 15."
December 13
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who is battling a turf toe injury, will not play today against the New Orleans Saints. Ryan, who guided the Falcons to the playoffs as a rookie and was named the league's rookie of the year, was placed on the inactive list for the game. The Falcons are 6-6 and need a victory over the 12-0 Saints to keep their playoff hopes alive. Ryan suffered the injury early in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 29. He did not play last week against the Philadelphia Eagles. Chris Redman, a seven year veteran, will make his 12th career start at quarterback for the Falcons. Also, running back Michael Turner, who re-injured a high ankle sprain will trying to"
December 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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The Atlanta Falcons are in must-win mode with a 6-6 record, but their roster isn't cooperating. Quarterback Matt Ryan and tailback Michael Turner officially are listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome after missing practice all week with toe and ankle injuries. Top cornerback Chris Houston has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, and the offensive line is banged up, among other positions. Ryan and Turner have been deemed "game-time decisions." Ryan, who missed last week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, was able to participate in walk-through sessions this week. Falcons Coach Mike Smith said Ryan will play if the team believes"
December 5
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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For the third consecutive day, four Falcons offensive starters did not practice for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Matt Ryan (turf toe), running back Michael Turner (ankle), wide receiver Michael Jenkins (ankle) and right guard Harvey Dahl (ankle) did not practice Friday. While Ryan has been ruled out of the game, the other three players were listed as questionable on the injury report."
December 4
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons received some good injury news. Wide receiver Brian Finneran returned to practice and looks as if he'll be able to play Sunday against the Eagles. "Having Brian back is going to be big for us," Falcons coach Mike Smith said Thursday. "It gives us another healthy wide receiver." Finneran suffered a left knee injury against Washington and has missed the past three games. "He's looking very good," Smith said. "He's moving around. It should be a go for him." Quarterback Matt Ryan (turf toe), running back Michael Turner (ankle), wide receiver Michael Jenkins (ankle) and right guard Harvey Dahl (ankle) did not practice for the second consecutive day."
December 3
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Running back Michael Turner doesn't regret coming back and trying to play on a high right ankle sprain against Tampa Bay. "I'll do it every time," Turner said on Wednesday. "The team needs me out there. We need everybody out there. If I can go and give some type of effort, I'll suit up and go each time. I don't have any regrets about that." Turner re-injured the ankle and is "day-to-day" for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He doesn't think he came back too soon, just 14 days after the initial injury."
November 30
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
columnist Mark Bradley
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That wasn't mere urgency at their backs on that final drive. It was utter desperation. The Falcons can read the schedule and the standings, and they know the difference between 6-5 and 5-6 is more than one game, especially when the opponent tipping the balance arrived at 1-9. "Going under .500," Roddy White would say later, after he'd caught the fourth-down touchdown pass that won it, "that's desperation." The Falcons escaped Sunday's game with a season's worth of hopes still alive, but with every week those hopes are tempered by mounting reality. They started 4-1. Then they lost four of five. They were one play from making it five of six against an overmatched opponent coached by a man"
November 30
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Falcons' win over Tampa Bay came at a considerable price. Over the course of the game, quarterback Matt Ryan, running back Michael Turner, guard Harvey Dahl and, depending on whom you ask, offensive tackle Sam Baker all left the game with injuries. Their prognoses for Sunday's game against Philadelphia and beyond are uncertain. Ryan was out after the first series with a toe injury on his right foot, replaced by Chris Redman. Turner left in the third quarter after reinjuring his right ankle. Dahl and Baker left in the first half. According to a press box announcement, Dahl injured his right ankle and Achilles tendon. While coach Mike Smith said Baker was "banged up in a number of"
November 28
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner was listed as "questionable" on the team's injury report that was released Friday. Turner, the team's leading rusher, suffered a high ankle sprain against Carolina on Nov. 15 and did not play Sunday against the New York Giants. He has been limited this week in practice. The questionable designation means the Falcons believe Turner has a 50 percent chance of playing against Tampa Bay at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome."
November 27
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood both practiced again on Thursday. Norwood fully participated, while Turner was limited. "Jerious is definitely ahead of Mike," Smith said. "Mike is probably going to down to the wire in terms of a game-time decision on if he's going to be able to play or not.""
November 26
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Falcons running back Michael Turner, who has been receiving continued treatment for his right high ankle sprain, returned to practice on Wednesday. "Michael was limited today and took some reps," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "Hopefully, we'll get a good read on him after practice and tomorrow." Turner was injured early in the second quarter against Carolina and did not play last week against the New York Giants. The Falcons are hopeful that he will be able to play against Tampa Bay on Sunday."
November 24
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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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"