Falcons RB Turner misses practice with ankle injury

The Falcons, besides being without starting quarterback Matt Ryan, could be without running back Michael Turner when they host the Eagles Sunday.

Turner did not practice yesterday, and coach Mike Smith was uncertain about his availability for Sunday. Wide receiver Michael Jenkins (ankle) and offensive lineman Harvey Dahl (ankle) also did not practice yesterday.

Turner, who ran for a career-best 1,699 yards last year, suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 10 and aggravated the injury Sunday against Tampa Bay. Considering the injury, it actually would be a surprise if Turner plays.

"We are certainly hopeful that Michael will recover very quickly," the coach said. "Michael is doing [everything] he can to get back."

Ryan, the keystone of Atlanta's franchise, has a toe injury that will force him to miss a start for the first time in his 2-year career. Smith couldn't offer any long-term prognosis on Ryan, a product of Penn Charter High. Ryan was injured in the first quarter of the 20-17 win against Tampa Bay.

"All I can tell you is what our medical people told us, that he's definitely out for this week, and we'll evaluate on Monday," Smith said. "We're going to take it week to week. Matt is working diligently with the training staff, and there's been significant improvement since the injury on Sunday." *

- Ed Barkowitz