Countdown to Training Camp: Day 3 — Running backs

tlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) heads for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

Birdland – The players are due to report for training camp on Thursday. The first practice is slated for Friday.

Over the last two weeks, we’ve been taking a quick look at a position group in the  “COUNTDOWN TO TRAINING CAMP 2010.”

We’ve already looked at the defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties, offensive line, tight ends and wide receivers.

The running backs are up today.

THE REALLY BIG QUESTION: Can a slimmed down Michael Turner turn in another mega-season while carrying a lighter load?

Over the offseason, the Falcons finally attributed Michael Turner’s slow start in 2009 to him being out of shape.

He’d rounded  into shape and appeared  primed for another mega-season when he suffered what was essentially a season-ending high right ankle sprain against Carolina in the ninth game of the season.

He was rushed back two weeks later against a lowly Tampa Bay team for no apparent reason and went

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Turner, determined to prove that the 1,700-yard season in 2008 was not a fluke, has basically lived at the team facilities this offseason. If he does get off to a slow start, fitness will not be the issue.

The team also retained running backs Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling.

The coaches  plan to spread some of Turner’s carries around.

At fullback, Ovie Mughelli is backed up by Dan Klecko.

FIVE GOALS FOR THE RUNNING BACKS

Running back Jerious Norwood recently told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger that he's healthy and ready to roll in 2010. (Curtis Compton/Ccompton@ajc.com)

1. TAKE  more real estate in short yardage situations.
2. Continue to run the ball well late in the game with a lead.
3. Do a better job of setting up the blocks on screen plays.
4. Become more effective when operating in the Dirty Bird (Wildcat) attack.
5. Continue to block well while picking up the blitz.

Here’s a look at the running backs:

Michael Turner: There won’t be a more determined running back in the league this season.

Jerious Norwood: He has pronounced himself fit and ready to roll this season. He’s been injured in three of his four seasons in the NFL.

Jason Snelling: Ran for a career-high 147 yards in the season finale against Tampa Bay.

Antone Smith: The former Florida State Seminole was signed to the practice squad last October.

Dimitri Nance: Could be a diamond in the rough after an injury-marred senior season at Arizona State.

Ovie Mughelli: Back to help power the run game with his lead blocking.

Dan Klecko: He has earned three Super Bowl rings in backup roles with New England and Indianapolis.

Date, Practice Times (public availability)

Friday, July 30 — Practice 8:30 – 10:10 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (open to the public).

Saturday, July 31 — Practice 8:30 – 10:10 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public).

Sunday, August 1 — Practice 9:35 – 10:30 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:55 p.m. (open to the public).

Monday, August 2 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).

Tuesday, August 3 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).

Wednesday, August 4 — Practice 1:30 – 3:40 p.m. (open to the public).

Thursday, August 5 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).

Friday, August 6 — Practice 10:15 – 11:55 a.m. (open to the public)

Falcons Allstate All-Access “Friday Night Lights”

Team Scrimmage at North Gwinnett High School – 7:30 p.m. (open to the public)

Saturday, August 7 — Mock Game at Flowery Branch – 12:00 p.m. (open to the public)

Sunday, August 8 — No Practice.

Monday, August 9 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH JACKSONVILLE.

Tuesday, August 10 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH JACKSONVILLE.

Wednesday, August 11 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).

Thursday, August 12 — Practice 8:50 – 10:55 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. (closed to the public).

Friday, August 13 — Preseason Week 1 vs. Kansas City 8 p.m.

Saturday, August 14 –No Practice.

Sunday, August 15 — Practice 9:30 – 11:35 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (open to the public).

Monday, August 16 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).

Tuesday, August 17 — Practice 8:30 – 10:55 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:35 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH NEW ENGLAND.

Wednesday, August 18 — Practice 10:15 – 11:35 a.m. (closed to public).

Thursday, August 19 — Preseason Week 2 vs. New England 8 p.m.

Friday, August 20 — No Practice.

Saturday, August 21 — 9:30 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. (closed to the public); 3:45 p.m. – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).

Sunday, August 22 — 9:35 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (closed to the public)

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