Turner probable against Broncos

Flowery Branch — Falcons running back Michael Turner is listed on the injury report as probable for Sunday’s game with a hand injury.

However, coach Mike Smith expects Turner to be ready to play against the Broncos at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.

One of the questions about Turner when he signed with the Falcons was could he carry the full load after backing LaDainian Tomlinson for four seasons in San Diego. So far, the answer is that he can.

He had 27 carries last week against New Orleans and 31 the week before against Oakland and is averaging 22.6 carries per game.

“It’s not like it’s a burden to have the ball every time,” Turner said. “Once you are out there playing, you’re just having fun.”

Denver’s defense has allowed at least 150 yards five times this season, including 160 on 29 carries in their last outing against Cleveland.

Turner, who is 110 yards shy of the 1,000-yard mark, could turn a big day against the Broncos.

“There whole defense is based on speed,” Turner said. “You just have to make sure that we are playing much faster on offense to make sure that we can handle some of the things they do.”

Turner has 890 yards on 203 carries and seven touchdowns.

Turner entered the season with only 228 regular-season carries, all with the Chargers.

Overall, the Falcons have run the ball 312 times, the third-highest total in the league behind Baltimore’s 343 and New England’s 316.

LaGrange’s Woodyard to start`

Denver rookie linebacker Wesley Woodyard, from the University of Kentucky and LaGrange High, is set to make the second start of his career against the Falcons.

Woodyard made his first start in the Broncos’ previous game, against the Cleveland Browns, and he finished with nine tackles.

“He’s done a nice job for them,” Smith said. “He’d been a very big contributor on special teams for them, but now he’s been called on to play. He’s done a very nice job to come from a free agent to make the 53-man roster and now with an opportunity to start.”

Cutler on the Falcons defense

Denver quarterback Jay Cutler gave his opinion of the Falcons’ defense.

“A lot of two-safety looks,” Cutler said. “They try to protect the corners a little bit. Obviously, every one kind of rallies to the ball. On third downs, they mix it up a lot. The linebackers fly around.”

Cutler has been sacked only six times this season, but he’s aware of Falcons defensive end John Abraham.

“Abraham on our left side is going to cause some havoc, so we have to keep an eye on him,” Cutler said.

Game could be a high-scoring affair

Denver coach Mike Shanahan noted that the Falcons are averaging 32 points in their four victories at home.

“One of the reasons for their record is that they are playing very smart football,” Shanahan said.

If the Broncos run defense doesn’t’ hold up, Cutler is ready for a shootout.

“If we can’t stop the run, I don’t know how much we are going to touch the ball,” Cutler said. “They are capable of putting up a lot of points. So it could get into one of those games where you have to put up 30 or 40, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

He said it

“For a young kid, he’s got great mechanics. You can tell that he’s a passion for the game. He’s able to manage a game, and when he has a opportunity to make the big play, he’s taken advantage of it.”

— Shanahan, considered one of the league’s top quarterback gurus, on Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan

Injury report

In addition to Turner, the Falcons have eight players on the injury report.

Left tackle Sam Baker (back surgery and hip) is out. Defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead (plantar fasciitis/foot) is doubtful. Kicker Jason Elam (hip), cornerback Brent Grimes (knee and ankle) and defensive tackle Grady Jackson (knee) are questionable. Abraham (neck/stinger), linebacker Michael Boley (foot) and left tackle Todd Weiner (knee) are probable.