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2013 NFL Playoffs: Michael Turner feeling healthy heading into postseason

Falcons running back Michael Turner dealt with groin injuries the past few seasons, but he's fully healthy heading into this year's postseason.

Kevin C. Cox

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner has not carried as much of a load this season in new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter's offense. But that could actually be a positive for Turner, as the running back is more healthy and refreshed heading into the postseason compared to the last few seasons (via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution):

"I tore my groin the last two years, one side one year, the other side the next year," Turner said. "So I don't have those problems coming into this year. I'm good."

Turner has been a non-factor in all three playoff games he has played in, all Falcons losses. Back in 2008, he rushed 18 times for 42 yards against Arizona. In 2010, he carried only 10 times for 29 yards against Green Bay. And last season, he managed just 41 yards on 15 carries against the Giants.

In all three of those seasons, Turner had over 300 carries in the regular season, and actually led the league in 2008 and 2010. Turner has carried the ball just 222 times this season, and while he and the Falcons' rushing attack has not been all that effective (29th in the NFL in rushing), the team is hoping his fresh legs will make them more successful in the playoffs.

Photographs by coka_koehler used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.