And then there were two …
#IST
What would Istanbul be without injuries? Both Dwight White and Jack Lambert will miss the Whirled Bowl. White’s absence means more snaps for Brett Keisel, which is certainly not a bad thing for the Janissaries. Lambert’s is more problematic, as it increases the already huge workload for Ray Lewis, and the reserves–Brendan Ayanbedejo and Vince Williams–are no more than solid.
Injury concerns to Vince Evans and LaMarr Woodley proved unfounded, as both were able to return to full strength by the end of the bye week.
#NYG
New York loses 3 players for the championship: reserve ILB B.J. Goodson, starting DB Em Tunnell, and most impactfully, starting T Tony Boselli. Boselli will be replaced by Bruiser Kinard in the starting lineup, with snaps likely falling to either Doc Alexander or Abe Gibron as well.
Goodson’s absence is important as there is–literally–nobody healthy and available behind Jon Beason at ILB. Look for other members of the linebacker corps to shift inside or for New York to turn to 2-way players Mel Hein or Alexander if Beason needs to come out of the game.
Howie Livingston‘s return moves newly promoted Sydney Thornton back to the taxi squad, however, it’s not expected for Livingston to get many carries in the big game.
Tunnell’s absence means the Royal Giants will be missing both of their starting safeties, with Eddie Meador and Josh Evans moving up.