Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner posted a very respectable 4.5 yards per carry in 2011, almost a half yard better than his 2010 average. Eleven touchdowns and more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage? Certainly nothing to cry about either. But every time Turner hits the field, he displays decreasing burst and a body that just looks ready to break down. The Falcons must see some of this too since they plan to limit Turner's touches in 2012.
"We want to keep [Michael] as our feature back, but we need to make sure we some of the other guys carries as well," head coach Mike Smith said on Saturday. "... I think the thing we have to do as Michael gets a little older is to start putting him on a pitch count in terms of the numbers of carries."

Fantasy Analysis:

I've been petrified of owning Turner for the past couple of seasons. He has held up, but he just seems to be getting slower and slower, I don't want to be there when that truck finally putters out. The Falcons are doing the smart thing here. Jason Snelling is a free agent, and Jacquizz Rodgers is more of a change-of-pace RB, so look for Atlanta to add a back before camp opens. Turner's days of 300+ carries per season should be done, but he can still make for a nice RB2 because of his touchdown potential.