2 bye weeks remain in the season for all teams, and for many of them, they can’t come soon enough: getting a few of the dinged players back will be a boon for many franchises.
#AAA
For a team this deep at WR, Wes Chandler‘s injury should not be all that impactful. Philip Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson both being out is a much bigger challenge. We’ll see if Dan Fouts and Ryan Mathews can step in to their large shoes. Khalil Mack will be a game time decision
#BER
The parade of starters sent to the sideline for a game or two continues, with DB Ray Brown, LB Dick Butkus,and WR Alshon Jeffery all expected to miss at least one game. John Abraham and Paul Worrilow are due back, but both are likely to be game time decisions.
#BOS
The pickup of Keyshawn Johnson looks even better with Jeremy Kerley looking to miss at least 2 months, but the real concern is at DT, where, behind starter Richard Seymour, the Bulldogs are now looking at Chris Jones and T.J. Barnes with Sheldon Richardson joining Vince Wilfork and Mike DeVito on IR.
#DUB
The Damhas will be missing their top 2 WRs, as Andre Johnson joined Don Hutson on IR this week. Ron Kramer (TE) and Jumal Rolle (DB) have also been called up from the taxi squad.
#IST
Istanbul continues to face some serious challenges. Jack Lambert is out for the rest of the season, which hurts, but the short-term list is pretty rough as well as Johnny Unitas, Antonio Brown, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Rod Woodson are all out for at least a week. Look for Andy Russell, C.J. Mosley, and Daryl Smith to see time filling in at LB.
#NYG
The Blake Bortles era is over, ushering in the reign of … Eddie Danowski? Whoever the Royal Giants have at QB, they’ll have to manage the game without T Tony Boselli, which is a big loss. Look for Will Beatty and Justin Pugh to share the load across from mainstay Pete Henry.
#RIO
Bobby Bell, out for the year, will be missed, as much for his defensive flexibility as anything else. Tamba Hali and Mel Branch should see time at DE.
#SFO
The division-leading Sea Lions may be in for choppy water: their top two RBs (Frank Gore and Pierre Thomas) are both out, and they are now missing 7 starters on defense. Winfred Tubbs and Derek Smith may see time at LB, and while Tim McDonald looks good stepping in at S, there are concerns about Isa Abdul-Quddus. Mark Ingram should be the featured back, but both Carlos Hyde and Ricky Watters have been added to the active roster to support Joe Arenas in what looks to be a backfield-by-committee.