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  Texans | Michael Turner added to practice squad    Wed Dec 26, 07:33 PM

Free-agent CB Michael Turner was signed to the Houston Texans practice squad Wednesday, Dec. 26.

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Michael Turner player page

  NFL | Two FAs would like to sign before camp    Sun Jul 7, 11:48 AM

Free-agent RB Michael Turner (Falcons) and DE John Abraham (Falcons) would like to sign with a team before the start of training camp but neither has been able to find a contract to their liking. Neither player has considered retirement at this point.

Footballguys view: Turner may have to wait until injuries hit the RB position in camp before getting another shot. The power back is no longer the player he used to be but could provide quality veteran depth. Abraham could get a veteran minimum deal for a team looking for a part time pass rusher.

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John Abraham player page
Michael Turner player page


  NFL | Michael Turner looking for work    Wed Apr 3, 10:48 AM

Free-agent RB Michael Turner (Falcons) has no plans to retire.

Footballguys view: Turner may have to wait until the start of training camp before he gets an offer. He isn't the same player he used to be but could provide veteran depth and a short yardage presence for a team in need.

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Michael Turner player page


  Patriots | Could show interest in two RBs    Thu Mar 7, 09:27 PM

The New England Patriots could show interest in free-agent RB Michael Turner (Falcons) and Kansas City Chiefs impending free-agent RB Peyton Hillis this offseason if they are willing to accept the role as a goal-line back.

Footballguys view: Adding Hillis would be interesting given his less than friendly history with OC Josh McDaniels.

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Michael Turner player page
Peyton Hillis player page


  Cowboys | Could show interest in Michael Turner    Fri Mar 1, 05:14 PM

The Dallas Cowboys could show interest in free-agent RB Michael Turner (Falcons) as a backup to RB DeMarco Murray.

Footballguys view: Turner would fit nicely behind Murray and give the team veteran insurance. Earlier reports indicate the Cowboys only see Lance Dunbar and Phillip Tanner as change of pace, backup caliber RBs.

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Michael Turner player page


  Giants | Could show interest in Michael Turner    Fri Mar 1, 05:12 PM

The New York Giants could show interest in free-agent RB Michael Turner (Falcons) as a short-yardage back.

Footballguys view: The Giants have a need for a big back behind David Wilson. They should keep Andre Brown around as a restricted free agent, but adding Turner would make sense.

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Michael Turner player page


  NFL | Michael Turner thinks he can still play     Fri Mar 1, 05:04 PM

Free-agent RB Michael Turner (Falcons) said he believes he still has a lot left in the tank and can still play for a team in the league.

Footballguys view: Turner's not the same player he was when he came out of college in 2003. However, he can still be effective as a part time, power change of pace runner. Several teams like the Cowboys, Giants, and Broncos could show interest.

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Michael Turner player page


  Jets | Could be interested in John Abraham    Fri Mar 1, 09:47 AM

The New York Jets could be interested in free-agent DE John Abraham (Falcons), but RB Michael Turner (Falcons) isn't a fit.

Footballguys view: The Jets could use added pass rush help this offseason. They have to create more cap space if they're going to be active in free agency.

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John Abraham player page
Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner released    Fri Mar 1, 09:14 AM

The Atlanta Falcons released RB Michael Turner.

Footballguys view: No surprise here. Turner is not the same player he used to be but could find a home with a team in need of a short yardage/goalline back. The team will look to the draft to find a power complement to use in a RBBC with Jacquizz Rodgers.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Potential landing spot for Steven Jackson?    Tue Feb 26, 02:24 AM

With St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson set to void the final year of his deal and test the free-agent market, one of the most likely suitors for his services is the Atlanta Falcons. They are expected to part ways with veteran RB Michael Turner.

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Steven Jackson player page
Michael Turner player page

  Falcons | Michael Turner likely to be cut    Fri Feb 22, 09:03 AM

The Atlanta Falcons are likely to release RB Michael Turner. He's scheduled to make $6.9 million in 2013.

Footballguys view: No surprise here. Turner is not the same back he used to be and the team wants to free up $6.9MM worth of cap space. They could address the RB position in the 2013 NFL Draft. A RB like Eddie Lacy (Alabama) in the first-round or Stepfan Taylor (Stanford) in the third-round makes a lot of sense.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Cutting Michael Turner would provide cap relief     Thu Feb 14, 01:20 PM

The Atlanta Falcons would free up $6.4 million in cap space by releasing RB Michael Turner. The running back is scheduled to count $8.9 million against the 2013 salary cap.

Footballguys view: We feel the Falcons will make the move to release Turner. Then in the 2013 NFL Draft they could select a RB like Eddie Lacy (Alabama) at the end of the first-round to replace him.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Expected to look for RB    Sun Feb 10, 01:24 PM

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to look to add a running back this offseason because they are expected to release RB Michael Turner.

Footballguys view: The Falcons could add a RB like Eddie Lacy (Alabama) in the first-round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Lacy is a lot like a younger version of Turner because of his size, lower body strength, and power as a runner.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Could gain $10.4 million by cutting two veterans    Mon Feb 4, 06:44 PM

The Atlanta Falcons could create $10.4 million in salary cap space this offseason if they release RB Michael Turner and DE John Abraham.

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John Abraham player page
Michael Turner player page

  Falcons | Michael Turner getting raise in salary    Wed Jan 30, 01:57 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner will see his 2013 base salary go from $5.5 million to $6.9 million because of performance incentives in his contract.

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Michael Turner player page

  Falcons | Could look to restructure Michael Turner's contract    Fri Jan 25, 03:31 PM

The Atlanta Falcons could consider restructuring RB Michael Turner's contract and use him as a red zone running back next season.

Footballguys view: It's clear that Turner is not the same player he used to be. He's best served as a short yardage or goalline rusher. We could see more from Jacquizz Rodgers as the Falcons lead back.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Seem committed to running back by committee approach    Tue Jan 22, 03:05 PM

The Atlanta Falcons appear to be committed to the running back by committee approach. That approach is likely to not include Michael Turner, who likely will not be brought back. Turner averaged a career-low 3.6 yards per carry.

Footballguys view: We'll see Jacquizz Rodgers move into a bigger role in 2013 but it will still be a RBBC in Atlanta. Rodgers split snaps right down the middle with Turner this season. The Falcons should be looking for a RB via the draft or free agency.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner might be done in Atlanta    Sun Jan 20, 09:12 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner, who turns 31 on Feb. 13, might become a salary-cap casualty during the offseason.

Footballguys view: Turner has lost at least a step, and he has had trouble staying healthy in the last few years. He simply isn't worth 5.5 million dollars, his 2013 salary. Jacquizz Rodgers could move into a bigger role, and the Falcons would surely address running back in free agency or the draft. They could also attempt to bring back Turner at a cheaper price, but it's possible that they have already moved on from him in their future plans.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner leaves game    Sun Jan 20, 05:32 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (ankle) suffered an ankle injury in the NFC Championship Game and is considered questionable to return.

Footballguys view: Turner wasn't all that effective anyway, so this could be a blessing in disguise for the Falcons.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Rushing offense provided a spark     Mon Jan 14, 07:52 AM

The Atlanta Falcons recorded a season-high 167 rushing yards in the team's NFC Divisional Round win. RB Michael Turner rushed for 98 yards, while RB Jacquizz Rodgers added 64 yards.

Footballguys view: Turner did his usual job as the team's banger between the tackles. However, it was Rodgers who really stole the show with big runs on the inside and a relentless style that helped energize the team.

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Michael Turner player page
Jacquizz Rodgers player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner effective in playoff game    Sun Jan 13, 05:08 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner rushed for 98 yards on 14 carries against the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round playoff game.

Footballguys view: The Seahawks run defense was exposed as one of the biggest weaknesses on either side of the ball as Turner's stubborn running style was very successful. He won't find nearly as much room to run next week vs. the 49ers.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner could be cut    Thu Jan 10, 09:27 AM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner could be cut in the offseason. He has a $5.5 million salary, and the soon-to-be 31-year-old has shown signs of aging.

Footballguys view: Turner isn't the same back he used to be. Perhaps the team could restructure his deal in order to make room for him under the salary cap.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner healthy entering playoffs     Sat Jan 5, 08:33 AM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner carried the football just 222 times this season, well below his 301 carries last season. Entering the team's previous three playoffs trips, in 2008, 2010 and 2012, Turner had 376, 334 and 301 carries in the regular season, respectively. Turner also enters the playoffs healthy. 'I tore my groin the last two years, one side one year, the other side the next year,' Turner said. 'So I don't have those problems coming into this year. I'm good.'

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Michael Turner player page

  Falcons | Michael Turner moving up charts    Mon Dec 17, 10:21 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner moved into second place on the team's all-time rushing list. He has 6,022 rushing yards since joining the team in 2008. He is 608 rushing yards behind former RB Gerald Riggs for the top spot in franchise history.

Footballguys view: The Falcons have had some great big RBs in their history. Guys like William Andrews, Gerald Riggs, and Jamaal Anderson got it done in Atlanta before Turner. The team is using Jacquizz Rodgers more in certain matchups, but Turner will help them grind out yards in the postseason.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | RB snap breakdown    Mon Dec 10, 10:47 AM

Atlanta Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers was on the field for 30 offensive snaps, which was 46 percent of the offensive snaps. RB Michael Turner took 20 snaps, and RB Jason Snelling had 15 snaps.

Footballguys view: We've been talking about this change for some time now. Rodgers fits the Dirk Koetter system better than Turner does. The Falcons will still use Turner near the goalline but fantasy owners need to recognize he's more of a flex play now with this reduction in touches.

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Michael Turner player page
Jason Snelling player page
Jacquizz Rodgers player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner finds end zone    Sun Dec 9, 09:35 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (elbow) was able to play in Week 14 against the Carolina Panthers, but he managed just seven carries for 14 yards. However, he was able to find the end zone.

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Michael Turner player page

  Falcons | Jacquizz Rodgers ready for bigger workload     Sat Dec 8, 07:40 AM

Atlanta Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers, who has 23 carries over his last three games, will be ready to assume a lead role at running back if RB Michael Turner (elbow) can't play in Week 14. 'Absolutely,' head coach Mike Smith said. 'Jacquizz is one of many guys we feel like deserves to get touches on our offense. If need be, we think he can take carries that other guys may get in other games.'

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Michael Turner player page
Jacquizz Rodgers player page

  Panthers | Struggling to stop the run    Fri Dec 7, 08:47 PM

The Carolina Panthers have allowed a 100-yard rusher in their last three games, and Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner, who Carolina faces in Week 14, has run for 100 yards in six of his 10 games against the Panthers, including earlier this season. Two of the team's best run defenders are out, too. The Panthers give up 128.8 yards per game on the ground, and opponents are running for 5.3 yards per carry in the last three games against them. Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said the defensive line's 'gap integrity' has been compromised recently. DT Ron Edwards (elbow) being out for the season has hurt the team's edge pass rush, too.

Footballguys view: Turner's fantasy owners should feel confident starting him as a RB2 or flex play in week 14. Even backup RB Jacquizz Rodgers makes for a nice flex play this week.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner questionable     Fri Dec 7, 02:26 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (elbow) was limited in practice Friday, Dec. 7, and is questionable for Week 14.

Footballguys view: Turner had a great game last time out against the Panthers, but you'll need to check the inactives Sunday morning just in case if you plan on using him in your flex spot this week.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner expected to play    Thu Dec 6, 05:42 PM

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said RB Michael Turner (elbow) should be able to play in Week 14 against the Carolina Panthers.

Footballguys view: No surprise here. Turner's elbow injury is considered minor. Fantasy owners can start him as a flex play in week 14 but need to know that his role has changed. We're seeing backup RB Jacquizz Rodgers involved more in the gameplan.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner limited     Thu Dec 6, 03:46 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (elbow) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 6.

Footballguys view: The elbow injury is considered minor. Fantasy owners can start Turner as a flex play in week 14. Know that his role has changed as we've seen more touches for Jacquizz Rodgers in recent weeks.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner limited     Wed Dec 5, 03:44 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (elbow) was limited during practice Wednesday, Dec. 5.

Footballguys view: No need for concern here. The Falcons are trying to keep Turner fresh for what they feel could be a deep postseason run. Turner is now splitting time with Jacquizz Rodgers and we see him more as a flex play during the fantasy playoffs.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner looks to extend a scoring streak     Thu Nov 29, 01:01 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner is aiming for a third consecutive game at home with a rushing touchdown in Week 13.

Footballguys view: Turner should be able to get a rushing TD since the team is playing the weak Saints defense. He's a low end RB2 of flex play this week.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Taking committee approach at RB    Wed Nov 28, 07:35 PM

The Atlanta Falcons prefer a committee approach at running back these days between RBs Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers. 'We feel like Jacquizz is a very viable option to carry the football and has done a nice job for us,' head coach Mike Smith said. 'It has become more of the vogue thing to do, to have a 'running back by committee.'' RB Jason Snelling also had three catches for 33 yards in the team's Week 12 victory. Turner is receiving fewer chances to run the ball as the team spreads out the touches. He has had only 62.7 percent of the team's carries this year, by far his lowest total in each of his previous three years. Turner is only averaging 3.5 yards per carry, too, which is on pace for the worst mark of his career.

Footballguys view: Fantasy owners need to take note here. Rodgers is a better fit for the Dirk Koetter offense and is a better receiving option than Turner. The two will continue to split time for the rest of the year.

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Michael Turner player page
Jason Snelling player page
Jacquizz Rodgers player page


  Falcons | Jacquizz Rodgers sees more time at RB    Mon Nov 26, 09:52 AM

Atlanta Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers played in 31 offensive snaps in Week 12, while RB Michael Turner played in 23 snaps.

Footballguys view: We've long been calling for Rodgers to get the ball more. Turner is a grinder and not quite the player he used to be. Rodgers is a better receiver out of the backfield and more dangerous in the open field.

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Michael Turner player page
Jacquizz Rodgers player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner saves disappointing day with TD    Sun Nov 25, 06:04 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner rushed for 17 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12.

Footballguys view: Turner can't consistently gain yards on his carries, but he is still getting a decent amount of touches every week. The Falcons continue to give him goal line carries, so consider Turner a low ceiling flex vs. the Saints next week.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner probable    Fri Nov 23, 02:15 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 23, and is probable for Week 12.

Footballguys view: Turner has been trending down in recent weeks, but this matchup against the Buccaneers is a good one for the Falcons. We see Turner as a low end RB2 or flex play in week 12.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner limited     Thu Nov 22, 01:48 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin) was limited during practice Thursday, Nov. 22.

Footballguys view: Turner has been trending down in recent weeks. We see him as more of a flex option or low end RB2 if you're desperate in week 12.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner limited in practice    Wed Nov 21, 05:40 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin) was limited in practice Wednesday, Nov. 21.

Footballguys view: Turner has been a disappointment lately for his fantasy owners. This week we see him as only a flex option against the Buccaneers.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner questionable for Week 11     Fri Nov 16, 04:24 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin) was limited in practice Friday, Nov. 16, and is questionable for the team's Week 11 game.

Footballguys view: Turner should have already been on your bench, now the question is, how much value can Jacquizz Rodgers, and maybe even Jason Snelling gain with Turner ailing?

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner limited in practice     Thu Nov 15, 04:24 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin) was limited in practice Thursday, Nov. 15.

Footballguys view: The Cardinals have a tough run defense so we're downgrading expectations for Turner this week. He's still worth starting as a low end RB2 or flex play.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Closer look at Michael Turner's goal-line production    Wed Nov 14, 11:42 AM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner has had nine carries inside the three-yard line this season and they have resulted in two touchdowns and one net yard rushing. In goal-to-go situations, Turner has carried 17 times for three touchdowns and totaled 18 net yards. The Falcons have struggled in all short-yardage situations this season. When needing two or fewer yards on third or fourth down, the Falcons have converted only seven of 15 rushes (46.7 percent) into first downs.

Footballguys view: The Falcons don't have a better option in short yardage situations than Turner. FB Jason Snelling would be the second best option in those down and distances but we can't imagine him getting a larger role unless Turner is hurt.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | OC defends Michael Turner    Tue Nov 13, 09:58 PM

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter acknowledged Tuesday, Nov. 13, that the short yardage offense is a major problem for his unit. However, he defended RB Michael Turner, who had 13 carries for just 15 yards in Week 10. 'When you look at the tape on the majority of Mike Turner's runs in the game the other day, he had no chance. We had free runners at the point of attack,' Koetter said.

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Michael Turner player page

  Falcons | Michael Turner shut down in Week 10    Sun Nov 11, 09:10 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner carried 13 times for just 15 yards in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints. He did not have any receptions.

Footballguys view: Turner can do some damage if the Falcons really put the lean on a team in a win, but he has mostly been ineffective. His inability to put up good stats against one of the worst defenses in the league makes Turner nothing but a desperation play going forward.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Could Michael Turner be busy in Week 10?    Sat Nov 10, 10:21 AM

In the Atlanta Falcons' two most recent wins over the New Orleans Saints in 2008 and 2010, RB Michael Turner had 27 and 30 carries, respectively.

Footballguys view: Turner's workload is considerably smaller this season, but he's still a key piece to their offense. The team should be able to move the ball at will on the ground or through the air against the Saints in week 10.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Felt Lousaka Polite was not a dominant lead blocker    Wed Nov 7, 02:36 PM

The Atlanta Falcons made a change at fullback Wednesday, Nov. 7, because they felt that FB Lousaka Polite was not a dominant blocker in front of RB Michael Turner. Polite dealt with a hamstring issue, but his blocking was not what the Falcons were hoping for when he returned. The Falcons now turn to FB Mike Cox in hopes that he can be a dominant lead blocker.

Footballguys view: The Falcons are limiting Turner's carries compared to last year, but he's still the closer for them late in games.

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Michael Turner player page
Lousaka Polite player page
Mike Cox player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner strong in second half     Mon Nov 5, 07:45 AM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner had 84 of his 102 rushing yards in the second half of Week 9, including 35 yards on eight fourth-quarter carries.

Footballguys view: Turner is a grinder who can wear down a defense. He's not the same player he used to be, but can still be an effective weapon for the Falcons offense.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner just misses season high    Mon Nov 5, 01:00 AM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner carried 20 times for 102 yards and a touchdown in the Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys, falling one yard short of his season best.

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Michael Turner player page

  Falcons | Michael Turner frustrated     Mon Oct 15, 11:10 AM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner said following Week 6 he does not have an explanation for why the team has not run the football more this season. 'I'm not sure why it's going like this,' Turner said. 'It's great to be 6-0 and everything. But we can't just assume we're always going to be able to get an interception or a last-minute field goal every time. At some point we're going to have to run the ball. We've got to be able to knock it in (the endzone).' Part of the reason why the Falcons have ran less this season is because Turner looks slow at times, in addition to the offensive line being better at pass protection than opening holes in the run game. Head coach Mike Smith conceded the running game is not where he would like it to be.

Footballguys view: A Dirk Koetter offense will do that to you. Perhaps the Falcons will show more intent on running the football when they get to the postseason. Turner remains a low end RB2 for your fantasy team as we're not seeing backup RB Jacquizz Rodgers get a bigger role as some expected.

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Michael Turner player page


  Falcons | Michael Turner has monster game    Sun Sep 30, 07:46 PM

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner carried 13 times for 103 yards in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, and he added three receptions for 68 yards and a 60-yard touchdown. It was his first career NFL touchdown reception. The 100-yard rushing game is Turner's first of the season. In fact, he came in with just 154 rushing yards through his first three games.

Footballguys view: Turner had more pep in his step than we have seen all season, although this can be seen to reflect on the Panthers run defense as much as Turner's resurgence. He's a great sell high heading into a tough run matchup vs. the Redskins.

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Michael Turner player page