Falcons' Turner hopes to return soon

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH – 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."

Turner received treatment on the ankle after the game, but admits it was tough watching from the sidelines.

"You want to be out there helping your teammates out," Turner said. "It's something that we've spent all season fighting for, a playoff spot."

Top targets

Against the Giants, Matt Ryan threw 12 passes in the direction of Roddy White. He caught only four of them for 45 yards.

Tight end Tony Gonzalez was Ryan's top target with 14 passes. He caught eight for 82 yards and one touchdown.

With the Giants giving White and Gonzalez most of their attention, Michael Jenkins was open for nine throws and caught a season-high six passes for 76 yards. He also dropped what would have been his first touchdown reception of the season.

Who is the Boss

The Falcons' secondary had turned in strong performances against top tight ends like San Francisco's Vernon Davis, Chicago's Greg Olsen and Dallas' Jason Witten.

But New York's Kevin Boss got loose for five catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns.

"Boss was very effective in the ball game," coach Mike Smith said. "On some of the route progressions, he was the primary read. We gave up a play in man coverage. We gave up a play in zone coverage. We gave up a play in a fire zone. He basically got us on the trifecta."