CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Stopping running back Michael Turner has never been an easy task for the Carolina Panthers.
But it might be even more difficult to slow him down in Sunday’s divisional rematch against the Atlanta Falcons (7-5) with both starting defensive tackles on injured reserve.
The Panthers were hurting from injuries on defense even before losing rookies tackles Sione Fua and Terrell McClain. They’ll be counting on second-year player Andre Neblett and undrafted rookie Frank Kearse to plug the middle and keep Turner from running wild — again.
Turner ran for 651 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in his last six games against the Panthers (4-8). Earlier this year Turner erupted for 139 yards and two scores in leading the Falcons to a 31-17 victory over the Panthers at the Georgia Dome.
