The 2025 Birmingham Stallions season has been robust to say the least, and one word sums it injuries. While that may be an oversimplified view of the Stallions have dealt with plenty of adversity this season, and Head Coach Skip Holtz along with a bit of Magic in the “Magic City”, has the team at 4-2, holding the #1 seed in the USFL Conference after their Week 6 victory against the San Antonio Brahmas.
While it finally looked like Case Cookus is getting control of the Offense, the Stallions were dealt another blow at the most important position in the game, with Back-Up QB Andrew Peasley now dealing with a Knee injury. Peasley made his professional debut this week, after being signed due to an injury to Alex McGough after Week 2. The University of Wyoming alum played extremely efficient during his first round of professional action going 5/8 79 Yds with 2 Carries for 10 Yds. While Peasley has plenty to improve upon (pass recognition), he did provide a bit of hope should he be called upon. Unfortunately, at this time it does not appear Peasley will have that opportunity in 2025. Late in the second half the 2nd year player injured his Knee with the results initially reporting it was “loose”. With Cookus also dealing with a Knee injury, it appears Birmingham may be in the market for their 6th QB of the season.
NFL Vets:
While I lobbied for the Battlehawks to bring in a veteran with both Case Cookus, and J’Mar Smith on the roster the possibility of bringing in a Jeff Driskel type QB is incredibly slim to none. Two veterans that may be worth calling are Jake Fromm and Jacob Eason. Both QBs remain unsigned, with Fromm being released in the past couple of weeks. Both QBs are still relatively young, have great college backgrounds, and have a bit of experience in the professional ranks. While it’s a long shot a UFL cameo may be intriguing for either QB to take a visit in Birmingham for the weekend.
UFL Alums:
Mike Hohensee, Brian Lewerke, Drew Plitt, and Tom Flacco could all provide relief in a pinch if needed. Hohensee has already had a cameo with the San Antonio Brahmas earlier in the season after gaining a bit of fame with the Cowboys during the 2024 mini-camp. Lewerke, Plitt, and Flacco all spent time on UFL rosters last year with Lewerke and Plitt having experience in a professional setting. Plitt has been called upon on a short notice last year appearing for the Battleahwks when A.J. McCarron was down with an injury, after being released from the Arlington Renegades during their training camp.
USFL/XFL Alums:
Kaleb Eleby, Kyle Sloter, and Montell Cozart are some QBs with experience who can provide a stable presence for Birmingham while Alex McGough waits to return. Sloter and Cozart have had stints with Birmingham before each winning a championship with the team. Cozart has a fair amount of in-game tape between the CFL and USFL recently spending time with the Southwest Kansas Storm of AF1. Kaleb Eleby has also a bit of game film as well appearing with the Houston Roughnecks in Week 10 of 2023.
2025 UDFAs:
The Michigan Panthers had Alan Bowman rostered for a week amid an injury to Danny Etling, who has since been unsigned and not invited to an NFL Rookie Mini Camp. The Stallions could follow suit allowing players like Hudson Card, Grant Sergent, and Jackson Ostrowsky all received no invitations to Rookie Mini Camp after notable careers in college. Card was widely regarded at the University of Texas and Purdue despite the 2024 campaign for the Boilmakers. Sergent played at the University of San Diego (Josh Johnson, and Reid Sinnett’s Alma Mater) throwing for 26 TDs in 2024. Ostrowsky had an issue at Lock Haven with accuracy only completing 55% of his after being a Two-time transfer.
With Rookie Mini-Camps not only having Quarterbacks from the 2025 class but also the 2024 class involved, whoever replaces Peasley may be someone with a bit more experience. The Stallions are set to take on the up-start Houston Roughnecks who have had a bit of revival with the emergence of Jalan McClendon at the helm. Birmingham is set to role into Week 7 with Case Cookus, and J’Mar Smith heading to Dallas to earn more reps with the team.
1 Comment
by Adam Simon
I always liked Kaleb Eleby. But don’t you think they will give it to Jalen Morton. He is having a good season for the Storm.