Week 1 of the UFL season was a forgetful one for the DC Defenders' offensive line, but they have seemed to solve their issues for the time being.
Per the UFL Communication Department's X page, the Defenders have signed offensive lineman Yasir Durant. This will now be Durant's third year in the UFL, as he made the All-UFL team last year as the team's starting left tackle with some dominating performances on the line. He also had NFL stints with four teams, playing in 19 games with two career starts.
DC is coming off a tough 16-10 loss to the St. Louis Battlehawks in Week 1 that featured the offensive line allowing a league-high seven sacks in the game. The line also struggled to get much rhythm in the running game, as they averaged 3.2 yards per carry.
DC Defenders bring back Yasir Durant for 2026
A crucial move was made by Defenders head coach Shannon Harris, who gave his team the boost they desperately needed on the offensive line. Durant was one of the best pass blockers in the UFL and also helped spark a strong running game in 2025.
Last week, the Defenders were rolling with Jaelyn Duncan at left tackle, but that ended up not quite working out. Battlehawks defensive end Pita Taumoepenu had a monster game as he recorded 1.5 sacks coming off the edge.
The hope is that Durant can quickly get back up to speed in an offense he is super familiar with and jump right into the lineup. He's got a short week with the Defenders set to take the field on Friday.
DC will look to bounce back from their loss to the Battlehawks as they will take on the Columbus Aviators Friday night at 8:00 pm EST on FOX.