Falcon's Turner holding out hope

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. --- Michael Turner doesn't agree with speculation he could miss weeks with his sprained ankle.

Turner said Wednesday he hasn't even given up on the idea he could return for the Atlanta Falcons' game at the New York Giants on Sunday.

Turner injured his right ankle in last week's loss at Carolina. He had nine carries for 111 yards before the injury, giving him three consecutive games with more than 100 yards rushing.

Turner wore a walking boot on his right foot on Wednesday and didn't practice.

"It's only Wednesday. We still have time," he said.

"I'm a little stiff here and there but I'm loosening it up and rehabbing it and doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible," he said.

Turner shook his head when it was suggested similar high ankle sprains could force players to miss six weeks.

"I've never been out six weeks with an ankle sprain," he said. "I don't plan on it being that long. I'll try to get back as soon as I can."

Turner has 831 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns this season after he was second in the league with 1,699 yards rushing and a team-record 17 touchdowns in 2008.

Coach Mike Smith said Turner has "made a lot of strides" since Sunday.

"He's been working real hard in the training room to get back as quick as he can," Smith said. "We're hoping he will continue to progress."

Smith called Turner "day to day" in a telephone interview with Giants reporters.

Turner's injury leaves Jason Snelling in position to possibly make his first start of the season.