The NFL season is wearing down into the back half of the schedule and with teams dealing with a number of injuries at running back, could free agent RBs Michael Turner and Joe McKnight finally find some work from teams like the Houston Texans or Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Turner was released by the Falcons last spring and McKnight was cut loose by the Jets after a number of disappointing years and now the two could find work with teams dealing with injuries at their position. Peyton Hillis got work with the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns signed Willis McGahee to help with injuries and now it could be time for Turner and McKnight to get some looks. One of the main reasons Turner is still on the market is his age and declining skills, as he put up lows of his time with the Falcons after rushing for 800 yards and 3.6 yards per carry last season, although he did score double digit touchdowns for another season.
Turner has not had much attention on the free agent market and he originally was released by the Falcons after having a high salary and the team also was ready to move on, as they signed Steven Jackson and gave Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling bigger roles. Turner was very productive in his time with the Falcons, rushing for over 1,200 yards in three of the past four years and he had career best numbers after first signing with the team, scoring 17 touchdowns back in 2008 and he also scored in the double digits every year after that, making him a solid option for teams that are struggling in goal line situations.
The Texans could be a solid option after placing Arian Foster on the IR after he came down with a back injury and since backup Ben Tate has cracked ribs, they may need some insurance at the position with Dennis Johnson and Deji Karim also on the roster. Foster will be getting back surgery this week and now he is officially done for the season. McKnight could be a solid addition for someone needing help on kickoffs as well, as he showed a knack for that while with the Jets.
Tate has been very solid with 455 yards this season and he should continue getting the bulk of the carries as long as he remains healthy. The Buccaneers are ranked 14th in the league in rushing and with Doug Martin out for the season and Mike James fracturing his ankle, the team has Brian Leonard and Bobby Rainey and that could open the door for the team to signing someone like Turner. The Bucs got their first win of the season against the Dolphins and James was looking strong after getting 158 yards in his first start after the injury, but now he could be out for multiple weeks or more with his ankle injury and that is a big hit for the Buccaneers, as Greg Schiano liked what he was doing in relief of Martin.