Falcons RB Norwood healthier, hopes to face Giants
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP)—Falcons running back Jerious Norwood(notes) practiced Friday for the second straight day after missing Atlanta’s last four games with a hip flexor.
The Falcons (5-4) hope Norwood, who is listed as questionable for Sunday, can help stabilize his position when they visit the New York Giants (5-4).
“I’ve been working pretty much every day this week trying to get the (hip) back to normal,” Norwood said. “The main thing is it gets tight a lot. As long as I get it loose, it feels pretty good.”
Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner(notes) is sidelined with a high ankle sprain and not expected to play. He did not practice this week and is listed as doubtful.
Though Norwood is unlikely to start, the four-year veteran has spent most of his career as a backup to Turner and the retired Warrick Dunn(notes). Norwood, who ran the fastest 40-yard dash among all players at the 2005 NFL Combine, is considered one of the league’s fastest players when healthy.
Atlanta drafted him out of Mississippi State in the third round of ’06. The following year, Norwood’s first three career touchdowns covered at least 60 yards.
Norwood began the season with a career average of 6.6 yards per play and nine touchdowns in a combined 373 rushing attempts and receptions. He ranks third in franchise history with 2,948 kickoff return yards, but the Falcons are using Eric Weems(notes) in that role this year.
Norwood’s injured hip during a Week 6 win over Chicago followed a concussion that caused him to miss a Week 3 loss at New England.
“It’s been hard, man,” he said. “I see them guys on the field working hard every day. I just love the game of football and want to be out there with them and compete, man.”
Atlanta, which has lost three of its last four games, needs Norwood’s speed to balance a power running game that will feature Jason Snelling(notes) in Turner’s place.
Snelling, a third-year reserve, has gained 222 total yards and scored one TD on 30 carries and receptions this season.
The Falcons are listing Pro Bowl wideout Roddy White(notes), who has never missed a game in his five-year career, as questionable with a sprained knee. Left tackle Sam Baker(notes), who was sidelined for last week’s loss at Carolina, is probable with an ankle injury.
The Falcoholic
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Wow...what a rough weekend man. Turner, Benson and Brown all gone? OUCH!! I'm surprised you didnt break your own knee just out of spite. LOL... kidding. Anyway, Well as you know, BROWN is DONE FOR THE SEASON. So unless you are in a keeper league you can drop him.
Michael Turner, is killin me right now... Only because a 'High Ankle Sprain' usually takes anywhere
from 2-6 weeks to come back from. I dont know why HE THINKS he can play...(BTW- He is not this week). I think he is like his coach... they dont want to give anyone a competitive advantage knowing they dont have to prepare for Turner if he is ruled out early. Anyway... to answer your question...
Obviously you will Start Mendenhall.
How many RB's are you to start? I'm guessing 2 and a W/R (flex) or straight up 3 RB's?
Anyway... Go with Mendenhall as you already know.
Go with McCoy (He will get about 80% of offensive plays, but be wary of goalline give aways to teammate Leonard Weaver who also plays some tailback)
and for your third spot... Check on Falcons "Jerrious Norwood" status for the game vs. New York Giants on Sunday Morning (ESPN 2 @ 8:30am PST they give a great UPDATE show) If Norwood is active without limits he will take some of Jason Snelling's touches away. While Forsett on the other hand will be the main back or Seattle this weekend (85% of offensive plays) with Julius Jones out with a bruised lung (first reported as a rib) Forcett will at least grab 8 balls in the passing game alone.
Final Answer: (if I had to set my line up NOW) Mendenhall, McCoy, Forcett.
Good Luck.
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Send Tim Tebow one of your good helmets. We like to watch him play, along with you!
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