The bye weeks are done, and most teams benefited greatly from a reduction in the players on IR. There were some exceptions …
#AAA
The Emperors welcome back a lot of key performers: Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, Khalil Mack, and Wes Chandler are all back for Addis Ababa.
#AMS
Amsterdam will be without perhaps the league’s most dangerous return man, as Mel Gray is out for as much as two months.
#BEI
The Red Stars anticipated seeing Sammy Baugh under center in their next game, but, with Baugh having suffered an injury, it will instead be Eddie LeBaron replacing Mike Glennon.
#BOS
The Bulldogs’ playoff push took a hit as Nick Buoniconti is likely lost for the season.
#DUB
Potential disaster for the Damhas: star Week 11 Draft pickup Jim Taylor will miss at least a month. They will turn again to Alfred Blue and James Starks, and even perhaps Lee Lacy, to prop up a running game that will be impacted by the loss of Mike Michalske on the OL.
#IST
Another team that benefited greatly from the bye week, with Antonio Brown, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Johnny Unitas, and Rod Woodson all coming back.
#LON
The Fog were hard hit over these two weeks. Tony Romo is out again, which given Russell Wilson‘s performance may not be an issue, but they will miss league-leading tackler Bobby Wagner significantly more. DeMarco Murray is also out: look for Marshawn Lynch to take over as Emmitt Smith‘s primary backup.
#RIO
Rio is slowly healing. Eric Berry, Alex Mack, and Paul Warfield are back this week, and while the defensive line is still wrecked, the number of walking wounded continues to drop for the Carnival.
#SFO
San Francisco’s backfield worries have increased: Frank Gore is already out at least a month, and with Pierre Thomas‘ performances lacking, the Sea Lions were hoping for a contribution from Ricky Watters, but he’s now sidelined for a month. Delvin Williams will be asked to contribute there and Hoby Brenner should step in for the banged up Vernon Davis. William Roaf will also be a big miss, as the OL will be out for a couple months.