Owens could be next for Falcons at left corner

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons rookie Christopher Owens is next up at the left cornerback spot.

It's not clear if he'll become the fourth person to start at the position this season when the Falcons face Tampa Bay on Sunday, but he's clearly on deck.

Brian Williams opened the season as the starter. Tye Hill and Brent Grimes have started at the spot.

Hill was yanked after a slow start against Carolina on Nov. 15. Last Sunday, New York's Eli Manning threw for a career-high 384 yards. He appeared to target the left cornerback spot at times, including in overtime when he hit Mario Manningham for a 29-yarder with Grimes in coverage.

Hill, who started the two previous games, was active but did not play against the Giants.

The Falcons could start Grimes and give him the quick hook like they did Hill at Carolina, or they could start Owens.

"We've been having trouble back there, so we have to try something new," defensive end John Abraham said. "Everybody knows that after the Giants game, we were kind of exposed a little bit."

Abraham doesn't know what the secondary issues are.

"Maybe with people not knowing the coverages or not being grown-ups about what they are supposed to do, so we've got to make changes," Abraham said. "If I'm not playing well, they are going to take me out. It's a part of the game. We are just going to move on with Chris."

Owens has shined on special teams.

"He's working hard to learn the system and get an opportunity to get in there," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "If an opportunity arises where we can get him in, then we'll put him in."

Turner to be game-time decision

Running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood both practiced Thursday. Norwood participated fully, 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."

Turner suffered a sprained ankle against Carolina and didn't play Sunday against the Giants.

"I'm getting there," Turner said. "I'm progressing slowly."

Turner is hopeful that he can play against Tampa Bay.

"Yeah, it's a game-time decision," Turner said. "I'm still working out some kinks and things like that. Just normal stuff that you've got to do coming off an ankle sprain."

Sack patrol

Defensive end Kroy Biermann had three sacks in the first four games, but he's had one over the past six games.

"His production has not been at that rate, of course we didn't anticipate that it would stay like that," Smith said. "We have to continue to advance. We feel like he's going to continue to progress."

Elam gets vote of confidence

Despite the Falcons trying out four kickers earlier this week, Smith gave Jason Elam a vote of confidence.

"He's had some ups and downs," Smith said. "We all go through those. I have all the confidence in the world in Jason."

Elam, one of the NFL's all-time best kickers, has missed six field goals this season after making 29 of 31 last season.