NAL INJURY REPORT: WEEK 8

Three Matchups to Watch this Weekend

ATLANTA – The National Arena League announces its weekly injury report for all six teams this week as the NAL has three games to watch this weekend starting with tonight’s game between the 6-1 Carolina Cobras and their host the Columbus Lions (2-3). This Saturday will feature two matchups including the battle for Florida between the Orlando Predators (3-3) and the Jacksonville Sharks (3-4) that will kickoff at 7pm at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in downtown Jacksonville, FL. The second matchup of the night features the (4-2) Albany Empire who take on the San Antonio Gunslingers (0-5) in Texas with kickoff set for 2pm (CST) 3pm EST).

See full list of injury reports from all six teams for our week 7 action. 

Carolina Cobras (6-1)
With only one loss, a talented roster, and some major wins at home & on the road the Cobras continue to look like the toughest team to beat this season in the NAL. Passing the midway point in the season leading the league in points scored and fewest points allowed. This week they hit the road to one of their closest opponents the Columbus Lions who have fallen to 2-3 the Lions may look like prey now but don’t be surprised if you witness a close game as the Lions look to upset the Cobras in front of our their home crowd in Columbus, GA.

WR/DB - DJ Myers, Knee (Active)
DB/WR - Cris Page (Questionable)
DB - Micheaux Robinson (Probable)
DL - Sha’Haun Williams (Questionable)

Columbus Lions (2-3)

In unfamiliar territory the Lions have fallen in the standings and find themselves with a rare losing record as the franchise has played in more NAL post-season games and NAL championships than any team in the NAL. However with only five games played the Lions have plenty of ground to make up. A major upset against Carolina could be the roaring energy this Columbus team might need to get back on track. Luck is on their side as they will get to play this week in front of their home crowd and will enter the game with a healthy roster as Coach Jason Gibson has no injuries to report this week.  

Jacksonville Sharks (3-4)

Just like that Jacksonville went from last place to fourth and now the Sharks have their sight set on third place as the #3 Orlando Predators come to Jacksonville to defend their spot in the NAL standings. Coach Burley seems to have right the ship for the Sharks but they will have to beat Orlando to end a losing record that has followed Jacksonville all season long. Coach Burley reported several injuries on his roster. 

WR/DB - Kamrin Solomon, Hand (Out)

DB - Desmond Fairell, Wrist (Out)

QB - Malik Henry, Hand (Out)
FB/LB - Anthony Johnson, Wrist (Questionable)
WR/DB - Nyqwan Murray, Heel (Probable)
DB/WR - Seyvon Lowry, Groin (Questionable)

FB/LB - Qwayvon Hicks, Ankle (Questionable)

Orlando Predators (3-3)

Coach Higgins and his Orlando Predators are ready for the rivalry showdown this Saturday as they head up to Jacksonville to take on the Sharks for the first time in 2022. Orlando is coming in hot off a two-game win streak if they land a win in Jacksonville it will not only be their third straight win this season but their third straight win against Jacksonville in two seasons keeping the Florida rivalry title safe in Orlando. Coach Higgins reported several injuries going into Week 8.

WR - Anthony Cruz, Foot (Questionable)
QB - Rakeem Cato, Leg (Probable)
OL/DL - Trenton Bridges, Leg (Probable)

San Antonio Gunslingers (0-5)

After a tough loss in Jacksonville where San Antonio was two-seconds away from victory, the Gunslingers have recovered and couldn't be more happy to be back in their home arena after a long two-week road series. This week Coach Shaw and the Gunslingers take on the Albany Empire (4-2) for a shot to secure their first victory of the season as the San Antonio has proven to be on the edge of being on the winning end of some great games this season. See full list of Week 8 injuries for San Antonio below. 

WR/DB - Marcus Green, Knee (Out)

OL/DL - Tre Harlan, Knee (Out)
WR/DB - Erick McIntosh, Achilles (Active)

WR - Niko Thomas, Back (Questionable)

Albany Empire (4-2)

The NAL defending champs find themselves on the winning side of the standings but still not where they want to be. If the Empire want to continue their pursuit of the #1 spot they will have to deny San Antonio an inaugural victory in the NAL for week 8. The Gunslingers came within inches of a win last week in Jacksonville and will fight hard to try get a home victory in front of their fan base this weekend. Unfortunately with Tom Menas, a healthy quarterback, and arguable one of the players players in the NAL known as Darius Prince wearing the Navy and Orange the odds stay on the Empire’s side. Coach Menas reported several injurys for week 8. 

K - Marc Orozco, (Doubtful)

WR - Antwane Grant (Placed on Injured Reserve)

DB - Jabari Gorman (Questionable)

ABOUT NATIONAL ARENA LEAGUE 

The National Arena League was founded in 2016 and hosted its inaugural season in 2017 as the premier league in arena football. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Commissioner Chris Siegfried at chris@nationalarenaleague.com . For more information about the NAL visit www.nationalarenaleague.com, facebook.com/nationalarenaleauge, twitter.com/NALfootball, Instagram.com/nationalarenaleague.