Avengers Down and Almost Out

The Avengers probably won’t make the Arena Football League playoffs after getting routed Friday by the Carolina Cobras, 66-28, before 13,242 at Raleigh, N.C.

Maybe it’s just as well, considering how the Avengers, who conclude the regular season next week in Oklahoma, are running out of players.

rQuarterback Harry Leons, playing only because Todd Marinovich (elbow) and Tony Graziani (knee) are out for the season, separated his right shoulder in the first quarter and won’t play against Oklahoma.

In the third quarter, cornerback Mark Ricks, who leads the team with eight interceptions, sustained a right leg injury after his foot got caught in a seam in the artificial turf. His playing status is unknown.

The top 12 teams qualify for the playoffs. The Avengers (5-8) have the 15th-best record and would need help to make the playoffs.

“I can’t say we’ve been cheated [for a playoff berth] by the injuries, but this is tough,” Avenger Coach Robert Lyles said. “But you have to take the good and bad together. You can’t lay down and quit, you keep pressing on. I’ve been in worse situations.”

Former Avenger Corey Johnson had two kickoff returns for touchdowns, and returned an interception 22 yards for another score in the fourth quarter. Cobra receiver Aaron Bailey (six receptions, 126 yards) caught three of Fred McNair’s four touchdown passes. McNair completed 10 of 14 attempts for 144 yards.