Shock hurting, winning

No Ben McCombs. No Raul Vijil. No Quorey Payne, Markee White, Harrison Nikolao, Antonio Narcisse, Erik Meyer.

The Spokane Shock have a pretty good lineup on injured reserve. Somehow, they’ve managed to overcome a rash of injuries and fashion an eight-game winning streak entering tonight’s contest against host Cleveland at Quicken Loans Arena.

The latest challenge will be replacing McCombs, the standout defensive end who went down with a knee injury in Spokane’s 37-36 win over Arizona on July 2. McCombs has a severe hyperextension and Payne sprained his ankle in practice, head coach Rob Keefe said.

“I’m happy there’s no ‘CL’ involved, as in ACL, MCL, PCL or LCL,” Keefe said. “Hopefully, we can get Ben back in four weeks.”

Jeremy Geathers will replace McCombs.

“It’s definitely a big hit. Ben’s done a lot of things for this organization last year and this season,” defensive coordinator Alex Sirianni said. “Jeremy is ready to play. He’s been getting 15-16 snaps, now he’ll be getting the majority.”

The Shock (10-2) can clinch the West Division title with a win and an Arizona loss to Chicago. Spokane is one game in front of No. 1 Tampa Bay (9-3) in the race for best overall record and the right to host the ArenaBowl, should the Shock survive two rounds of the playoffs.

“Every single game is going to mean something,” Keefe said.

This one also means something for No. 8 Cleveland (6-7), which must win to stay in the playoff chase. The Gladiators were 0-3 when they upset Spokane on Brent Holmes’ last-second kickoff return. They’ve won two of their last three to move into the sixth spot in the National Conference hierarchy. The top four advance to the postseason.

Quarterback John Dutton has 84 touchdown passes to go with 16 interceptions. Ben Nelson, with 1,795 receiving yards, is on his way to cracking 2,000. Chris Johnson and Holmes have already eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards.

“Sometimes (Dutton) can be inconsistent but he’s won two ArenaBowls,” Keefe said. “The coach (Steve Thonn) is an innovator. They have a great line, great receivers. They’re an offensive team. I think their weakness is their defense. If we can get 1, 2, 3 stops, I think we’ll be OK.”

Spokane’s Greg Orton, who was cut in training camp and rejoined the team two weeks ago, will start at receiver with Huey Whittaker and Emery Sammons. Shaun Kauleinamoku also will suit up.

“I don’t think we should have cut him,” Keefe said, “but it was a tough cut because we were stacked up at receiver at the beginning of the year.”

Mervin Brookins, who serves as the fourth defensive back, will handle kick returns. He averaged 22.1 yards per return for arenafootball2 Stockton last season.