ATLANTA, March 3 (Reuters ) - The Atlanta Falcons released triple Pro Bowler Warren Dunn on Monday, one day after the club signed former San Diego Chargers running back Michael Turner.
Dunn, 33, led the Falcons in rushing in each of the last four seasons.
"At times like this our hearts are heavy, but the nature of the game sometimes requires making these kinds of decisions, however difficult they are for all of us," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said on the team's Web site (www.atlantafalcons.com).
Dunn rushed for 5,979 yards during his six seasons in Atlanta, the third-highest total in franchise history.
The 11-year NFL veteran is the only active running back to have 10,000 yards rushing and 4,000 yards receiving. Dunn spent his first five NFL seasons with Tampa Bay.
"Making moves like this one is never easy," said Falcons coach Mike Smith. "It's tough. But we have to do what we feel is in the best long term interest of the Falcons."
Dunn's fate in Atlanta was sealed Sunday when the club signed Turner, who rushed for 1,257 yards during the last four years in San Diego as the back-up to LaDainian Tomlinson.
(Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; editing by Rex Gowar)
