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Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner did not carry the ball as often in 2012 as he did in 2011, and head coach Mike Smith said Turner is feeling better heading into the postseason as a result.
"His work load is definitely down this year in terms of the number of snaps," Smith said. "He seems to feel very good when I asked him. I’m sure the wear and tear on his body isn’t near as bad as it’s been the last four years."
Turner finished the regular season with 222 carries, which is down from 301 last season and is his lowest total since the 2009 season. Since joining the Falcons in 2008, Turner has three seasons of 300 carries or more; he eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark those three years as well.
He finished the year with his lowest rushing total as a Falcon, but he did get into the end zone 11 times, including the first receiving touchdown of his career.