Michael

Turner

The No. Illionois product was the favorite to backup LaDainian Tomlinson. But he’s in danger of being passed on the depth chart by Jesse Chatman. There’s no reason to draft Turner in re-draft leagues right now.

The straight-ahead runner fits San Diego’s power game. He may have already cemented the backup role to LaDainian Tomlinson. He’s looking draftable, especially for LT2 owners.

Turner is a Chicago native and went to Northern Illinois. The Bears have roughly $20 million in cap space and want a running back with big play ability. Cleveland, Oakland, and Houston could also have interest in Turner.

This helps Michael Turner’s matchup some. Robert Thomas, who just signed, and underachiever Sam Williams are Brown’s backups on the strong side.

Turner averaged nearly six yards-per-carry as LaDainian Tomlinson’s backup in ’05 and knows Jets coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Both Arizona and San Diego are short on defensive backs, where New York has a number of young talents.

“The Burner” tore through defenders on a thunderous 45-yard rush in the first half. He’s worth stretching for a few rounds early by LT2 owners. Ray Perkins, the team’s third RB, also looked decent.

Turner barrelled through defenders on a late touchdown with the Chargers up by 20 in the fourth quarter. He’s a great handcuff for LT.

Rolle has impressed since the lockout ended in late July, but he’s an undersized sixth-round pick at 5'11/229. Fokou was the Week 1 culprit on Steven Jackson’s game-opening 49-yard touchdown run. Rolle was previously only a nickel ‘backer, so the suspect Eagles linebacker corps is experiencing more turnover. The Falcons should be able to gash them with the run in Week 2.

He added one catch for 32 yards. Turner racked up the majority of his yards on one carry, rumbling for 61 yards midway through the fourth quater. He averaged just 2.65 yards on his other 20 carries. Turner looked as slow as he’s ever been this evening, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he ultimately ends up averaging fewer than four yards per carry for the frist time in his career this season. He’ll get the Bucs in Week 3, whom Adrian Peterson gashed for 120 yards and two scores this afternoon.

It’s the fantasy risk owners run with a back who is not involved in the passing game. Turner was shut down early by a stout Tampa defensive line and removed from the game altogether once the Falcons went into comeback mode in the second half. He has a tough matchup next week against a Seattle defense that has shut down opposing ground games this season.