Coach Mike Smith, however, expects Turner to be ready to play against the Broncos at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.

One of the questions about Turner when he signed with the Falcons was if he could carry the full load after backing LaDainian Tomlinson for four seasons in San Diego. So far, the answer is that he can.

He carried 27 times last week against New Orleans and 31 the week before against Oakland. He is averaging 22.6 carries per game.

"It's not like it's a burden to have the ball every time," Turner said. "Once you are out there playing, you're just having fun."

Denver's defense has allowed at least 150 yards rushing five times this season, including 160 on 29 carries against Cleveland on Nov. 6.

Turner, who is 110 yards shy of the 1,000-yard mark, could have a big day against the Broncos.

"There whole defense is based on speed," Turner said. "You just have to make sure that we are playing much faster on offense to make sure that we can handle some of the things they do."

Turner has 890 yards on 203 carries with seven touchdowns.

Turner entered the season with 228 regular-season carries, all with the Chargers.

The Falcons have run the ball 312 times, the third-highest total in the NFL behind Baltimore's 343 and New England's 316.

Woodyard to start

Denver rookie linebacker Wesley Woodyard, from the University of Kentucky and LaGrange High, is set to make the second start of his career against the Falcons.

Woodyard made his first start against the Cleveland Browns , and he finished with nine tackles.

"He's done a nice job for them," Smith said. "He'd been a very big contributor on special teams for them, but now he's been called on to play. He's done a very nice job to come from a free agent to make the 53-man roster and now with an opportunity to start."

Cutler's insight

Denver quarterback Jay Cutler gave his opinion of the Falcons' defense.

"A lot of two-safety looks," Cutler said. "They try to protect the corners a little bit. Obviously, every one kind of rallies to the ball. On third downs, they mix it up a lot. The linebackers fly around."

Cutler has been sacked only six times this season, but he's aware of Falcons defensive end John Abraham.

"Abraham on our left side is going to cause some havoc, so we have to keep an eye on him," Cutler said.

Injury report

In addition to Turner, the eight Falcons players are on the injury report.

Left tackle Sam Baker (back surgery and hip) is out. Defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead (plantar fasciitis/foot) is doubtful. Kicker Jason Elam (hip), cornerback Brent Grimes (knee and ankle) and defensive tackle Grady Jackson (knee) are questionable. Abraham (neck/stinger), linebacker Michael Boley (foot) and left tackle Todd Weiner (knee) are probable.