Was Turner's ankle targeted by the Jets?

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – 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 hit intentional.

"I'm not in their minds so I'm not going to say what they are trying to do," Turner said. "That's what it looks like, but I've got to expect it. I was just hoping that my ankle was strong enough to take it."

Turner, who rushed for 1,699 yards last season, has 871 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns with two games to play. The Falcons were hoping to lean on him against the Jets because the swirling winds at Giants Stadium made passing difficult.

"I tried to go, but I just got hit on it again," Turner said. "It's just a part of the game."

During warmups, Turner felt the effects of a strong week of practice.

"I felt good," Turner said. "That's why I was out there and ready to go. I wanted to go out there and play the game, but an unfortunate situation happened."

Turner said he'll just have to continue re-habbing the ankle and did not sound optimistic.

"I've got to start all over again," he said.

With the Falcons out of the playoff race, Turner is still not ready to shut it down for the season. The Falcons close out the season with Buffalo at home and on the road against Tampa Bay on Jan. 3.

"I'm not going to say [he is shutting down] right now," Turner said. "I've got to start out all over again. How many weeks has this been now? I just have to keep trying. This is part of football, you know. I have to try to keep playing and get back on the field."