We’re rounding into a couple bye weeks, which will certainly help some clubs on the injury front. Things get dicey over in the Southish as division leaders Istanbul, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo were all hit with important injuries.
#AMS
The Lions added 5 players to their injured list this week, including G’s Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell and RB Mike Tolbert. Norwell may miss the rest of the season. Look for Gus Sonnenberg to see time on the OL.
#BEI
Beijing will have to overcome the loss of Patrick Omameh and Warren Sapp if they are going to continue their decent play of late. Willie Wilkin may help on the defensive line, but the loss of Sapp–who is likely out for the rest of the year–will be hard to overcome.
#IST
Istanbul will welcome back Heath Miller, but it is unlikely to outweigh a huge loss, as Franco Harris–having a stellar year–is out for over 2 months. It’s not really clear what direction the Janissaries will take, as Jerome Bettis has been largely ineffective all year, but the other options at RB–Denard Robinson and Mack Herron–are largely unproven.
#NYG
Probably the most important injury of the year so far for the Royal Giants, as Odell Beckham, Jr. will be out for about a month. Victor Cruz has been incredible so far this year, we’ll see how he does as the #1 option. The team is also high on WR Mike Wallace, who was added to the roster.
#RIO
The Carnival have suffered from a long string of injuries so far this year, and it all continued in week 10, as Frank Gatski and Derrick Thomas were both hit. Gatski’s is minor, and he may actually be good for the next game, but Thomas is out for 2 months. Reserve DT Jamie Meder is also out, likely for the rest of the regular season. 4 of Rio’s top 7 LB’s are currently sidelined, and the Carnival are dependent on someone from the group of D.J. Alexander, Donnie Edwards, Keena Turner, and Paul Crane stepping up.
#TOK
The Swallows’ defense took some more hits, as Terrance Knighton and Jack Ham are both out for several months. Phil Hansen should see more snaps for sure, and Larry Morris may help fill in at LB for Ham.