Trade Is Made to Help Defense

The Avengers took steps this week to shore up their depleted defensive backfield and kickoff-coverage unit by trading for veteran defensive specialist Jeroid Johnson.

The move became necessary because of Damen Wheeler’s continuing hamstring problem and Cornelius Coe’s indictment last week on federal drug charges.

Coe, who remains in custody, could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted of five cocaine-related charges stemming from an investigation in Michigan.

On Sunday against San Jose, the Avengers gave up two kickoff returns for touchdowns in a 61-55 defeat at Staples Center. San Jose quarterback Mark Grieb completed 18 of 21 passes and threw for six touchdowns against a unit that included two defensive specialists -- Robert Bean and Keith Heyward -- who were playing their first Arena Football League games.

Coe had been one of the Avengers’ top tacklers on special teams and provided an aggressive presence on defense.

“It hurt us,” Avenger Coach Ed Hodgkiss said of Coe’s absence.

The Avengers acquired Johnson from the Las Vegas Gladiators in a three-way trade. The Avengers sent lineman Mike Ulafale to the expansion Philadelphia Soul, which sent kicker Brian Gowins to Las Vegas.

Johnson, in his fifth AFL season, is expected to play on Monday night when the Avengers play host to the Georgia Force.

Johnson intercepted eight passes and broke up 17 passes last season.

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The Avengers’ seven remaining home games include Monday night’s game, four games on Saturday nights and one each on a Friday night and a Sunday afternoon.

The Avengers must schedule around the Lakers, Clippers and Kings, a task made more difficult this season because Staples Center also was the site of the NBA All-Star game and the Grammy Awards. The AFL’s television contract with NBC also plays a role in scheduling.

“All our games used to be at nighttime,” said offensive specialist Chris Jackson, who has been on the roster for each of the franchise’s four-plus seasons. “It could be different for a lot of the young guys. You just have to know how to prepare, whatever day you’re playing on.”

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Hodgkiss said Jackson would be held out of practice until Saturday because of a knee strain suffered on the opening kickoff against San Jose. Jackson sat out most of the first half but returned in the third quarter and caught seven passes for 138 yards and three touchdowns....Lineman Jeremy Staat, who sat out the last two games because of a knee injury suffered in the opener against Arizona, is listed as doubtful for Monday’s game....Quarterback Tony Graziani has completed 57 of 97 passes for 768 yards and a league-high 20 touchdowns without an interception.