The Falcons leaned on running back Michael Turner in their past two games, and he delivered with two rushing efforts of more than 100 yards.
This season he has rushed 138 times for 621 yards and six touchdowns. He’s on pace for 315 carries, 1,419 yards and 14 touchdowns.
After he led the NFL in carries in two of the past three seasons — 376 in 2008 and 334 in 2010 — the Falcons are monitoring his carries.
“I think that is pretty good for what we’ve been doing,” Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey said. “That’s not a bad number at all.”
Turner has the clearance to take himself out of the game if he’s winded.
“That’s worked out pretty good,” Mularkey said. “The other guys have had their chances. ... When Mike Turner’s number is called, we need Mike Turner to run the ball.”
Mularkey is fine with the play of backups Jason Snelling and rookie Jacquizz Rodgers.
“Those guys have made plays when they have been in there,” Mularkey said. “They each have their own role and have done a really good job of playing it.”
There should be some running opportunities against the Colts. They have allowed 144 yards per game, which ranks 31st in the league.
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