Dallas Renegades fans thought it couldn't get any worse for them when it came to the overwhelming number of issues going on during their five-game losing streak. A new complication has just arrived.
According to the UFL Communication Department's X account, the Renegades have now lost edge rusher Willie Taylor III for the rest of the season as he was placed on the Reserve/Injured list after leaving their Week 8 loss to the Orlando Storm early. Dallas also signed running back Keegan Jones.
Taylor was the top pass rusher on the Renegades and had led the team in sacks with four while adding 14 tackles, two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and one pass breakup in eight games. Jones is back in Dallas after having spent training camp with the Renegades, but was ultimately cut at the end with Ellis Merriweather, Dae Dae Hunter, and Lorenzo Lingard in the backfield.
Dallas loses Willie Taylor III for the season and adds Keegan Jones
Renegades head coach Rick Neuheisel said after the loss to the Storm that when Taylor got hurt, it took the sails out of them. Well, this might be worse than that as the Titanic just hit the iceberg.
The pass rush takes a massive hit with Taylor out of the picture, as he has not only been the best on the team, but he might be one of the best in the UFL. This leaves Dallas to have to lean on Taco Charlton, Darrius Moragne, and Tashawn Bower to step up in pressuring the quarterback and create some sacks.
Jones's addition is an interesting one for the Renegades, as the backfield looks really solid with Merriweather and Hunter performing well. Some might wonder if Jones will be more than just a running back and could help in the passing game with more backfield-designed routes, or even help on special teams.
Dallas will have to adjust quickly to life without Taylor, as they are now 3-5 and could be one loss away from elimination from the playoffs. The Renegades are on the road for the last two games of the season as they first take on the red-hot Louisville Kings in Week 9 action.