The final week of the season looms! Here is what happened in the leadup, with a focus on the playoff teams.
#BER
Berlin’s playoff hopes were dashed, and immediately thereafter everyone decided to get hurt. Eight players joined the injury list, with Desmond Trufant, Jeff Van Note, Dick Butkus, and Gino Marchetti being the most notable.
#DUB
Dublin welcomes back Ray Nitschke for the final game of the year.
#IST
Overall, Istanbul is drifting back to health, but Rod Woodson is out for the rest of the year, no matter how far they go in the postseason. Abe Woodson and Carnell Lake have the quality to step up in his absence.
#NYG
The Royal Giants welcome Pete Henry back for their final game, and the playoffs, but DB Eddie Meador will be out long enough to put their first playoff game in doubt.
#RIO
At long last, Jim Brown is healthy (as is Derrick Thomas). However, Joe Thomas is out for the duration, which is quite a blow to the dominant OL in the league.
#TOK
Both Ryan Clady and Jason McCourty will miss the final game of the season, but both will return for the playoffs. More notably, after missing almost all of the year, Earl Campbell returns for Tokyo.