Michael Turner Injury: Updates on Falcons RB's Ankle

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner injured his ankle in the NFC Championship Game, and the team's official Twitter account said he is questionable to return:

"

INJURY UPDATE: Michael Turner has an ankle injury. His return to the game is questionable. Quizz Rodgers in for him. #RiseUp #SFvsATL

— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) January 20, 2013"

Turner suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Falcons game against the San Francisco 49ers. Before leaving the game, Turner ran for 30 yards on eight carries.

This is a big loss for Atlanta. Turner rushed for 800 yards on 222 carries this year, and he finished eighth in the NFL with 10 rushing touchdowns. Last week, he had 98 yards on 14 carries to propel Atlanta to the NFC title game.

In Turner's absence, Jacquizz Rodgers will take over as Atlanta's primary running back. The second-year man out of Oregon State was the Falcons' second-leading rusher this season.

He carried the ball 94 times for 362 yards and one touchdown in the regular season. He is also a threat in the passing game, as he caught 53 passes for 402 yards and another score this year.

Rodgers played a major role in Atlanta's 30-28 win over the Seattle Seahawks last week. He racked up 64 yards on 10 carries, including a big 45-yard run. He gives defenses fits with his speed, and his small stature (5'6", 196 pounds) allows him to hide behind blockers.

He will have to be excellent in the fourth quarter against the Niners as the Falcons give their best effort to advance to the Super Bowl.