Falcons hope to have Turner back for Tampa Bay

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons running back Michael Turner, who has received continuing treatment for his right high ankle sprain, returned to practice 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 on Nov. 15 and did not play Sunday against the New York Giants. The Falcons are hopeful that he will be able to play against Tampa Bay on Sunday.

“This is the first time that he’s come out in practice conditions and gotten some reps,” Smith said. “It will be really evaluated closely [Wednesday] afternoon and [Thursday] to see where he is.”

Turner, who made the Pro Bowl last season after rushing for 1,699 yards on 376 carries and scoring 17 touchdowns, is the Falcons' leading rusher. He has 831 yards on 165 carries and has 10 touchdowns.

Also, running back Jerious Norwood participated fully in practice.

Elam not stunned

Falcons kicker Jason Elam was not stunned that the team gave tryouts to four kickers.

"To be honest with you, I thought they were going to do that a couple of weeks ago," Elam said. "I really don't know what to say, I'm kind of at a loss for words. There is nothing I can say."

Former Georgia standout Brandon Coutu, Steve Hauschka, Sam Swank and Shane Andrus all worked out for the Falcons on Tuesday.

Elam has missed six field goals this season after making 29 of 31 attempts in 2008.

"This is a result-based business, and I haven't been getting my part done," Elam said. "Your job is always on the line. I understand that completely."

Elam has been critiquing his kicks and even watched film from earlier in his career.

"There are some technique issues that I've got to fix," Elam said.

Elam has some support in the locker room.

"Come on now, he's been doing it too long for me not to have confidence in him ," linebacker Mike Peterson said. "This is not his first rodeo. He's not one of the guys that I'm worried about."

Ryan's rollouts

The Falcons had some success against the Giants with their rollouts on pass plays. The Falcons ran them so well during Ryan's rookie year that teams have studied and taken the plays away.

"Some weeks it's going to be there, some weeks it's not," Ryan said.  "You've got to do some different things on offense to keep moving the ball."

Throwback jersey

The Falcons will wear their 1966 throwback uniforms against Tampa Bay. They wore them in a Week 2 victory over Carolina.

"If we keep winning in them I'll take them," Ryan said.

Linebacker Curtis Lofton likes the uniforms.

"I like them because they are pretty sweet," Lofton said.

Home, sweet home

The Falcons are 11-1 at the Georgia Dome under Smith.

"We are just excited to be home," Ryan said.