The injury report ahead of Saturday’s matchup between the DC Defenders and the Vegas Vipers has been released. On the report, there were two Defenders players already listed as out, one of which is a hard loss. Here is a quick look at the injury report, and why losing one particular player is difficult.
Defenders Player Ruled Out
Fadol Brown
One of the two players ruled out is the defensive end, Fadol Brown. Brown has been dealing with a hamstring injury. According to the injury report, Brown did not participate in practice on Tuesday but was limited the rest of the week. Despite having a chance, Brown will be one of the Defenders players ruled out of the game. Luckily for the DC Defenders, Brown did not play last week, which means there will not be too much of a difference this week.
Mike Maietti
The big loss for the team is center Mike Maietti. In the DC Defenders game against the Seattle Sea Dragons, Maietti exited the game in the first half. The center did not participate in practice at all this week, resulting in him being out against Vegas with a lower leg injury.
It was expected for Maietti to not play, but it is still a tough loss for the team. The Defenders player who will be in instead of Maietti will be Ty Clary. Considering Clary had to go in during week one, he is a safe one for the team to rely on.
Defenders Players Listed as Probable
Although the focus was on Maietti being ruled out, there are a couple of DC Defenders players who have been ruled probable after being limited in practice all week. While they will most likely still play, injuries are important to watch in case they are not at their full strength.
Jacub Panasiuk
Defensive end Jacub Panasiuk was limited in practice all week; however, he was a full participant on Thursday. Panasiuk has been dealing with a knee injury but should be good to go against the Vipers. Panasiuk recorded just four combined tackles, according to the XFL’s website.
Kentrell Brice
Defensive back Kentrell Brice was listed as a surprise probable on the DC Defenders injury report. Brice was a full participant in practice on Tuesday, but then limited the rest of the week. This will be something to watch during the game this weekend.
Briley Moore
Tight end, Briley Moore is another DC Defenders player who began the week out but finished out the week of practice as limited. Moore is dealing with an ankle injury but is expected to play this weekend against the Vipers.
Michael Joseph
Cornerback Michael Joseph is a name that DC Defenders fans do not want to see on the injury report. Joseph participated fully in practice on Tuesday but was limited for the rest with an Adductor injury. Joseph was the player to intercept the ball twice last weekend, and a big reason for their win. Luckily, he is listed as probable, but this is something to watch this weekend.
Fortunately, there are only two DC Defenders players listed on the injury report, but some of the others listed should still be watched this weekend. The Defenders will face the Vegas Vipers this Saturday at 7 pm Eastern.
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