It's been a busy start to the week for the Houston Gamblers as they try to repair the damage done from the 36-17 blowout loss to the Dallas Renegades in Week 1.
According to the UFL Communication Department's X page, the Gamblers have officially released safety Markel Roby, who is now a free agent. The team also signed defensive end Lonnie Phelps and activated offensive guard Gareth Warren from IR.
Phelps played seven games last year with the San Antonio Brahmas and one with Houston, racking up 14 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and one forced fumble. Warren was inactive for the game against the Renegades. Roby made 96 tackles, eight pass deflections, three interceptions, two tackles for loss, and one forced fumble in 17 games the last two years before having one tackle and one pass deflection in Dallas last week.
Houston Gamblers made multiple moves on the roster going into Week 2
With Roby's departure, Major Burns will take over the safety spot, according to Gamblers head coach Kevin Sumlin. Losing a talent like Roby was surprising, especially with his recent success in spring football, but after allowing 376 yards passing against Dallas, some kind of change had to occur for the team.
Looking at Phelps, it's at least a familiar face who comes back to Houston despite a different coaching staff in place. Watch for him to be a good rotational piece to the defensive line and see if the Gamblers can create some more pressure on the quarterback after just two sacks in the Renegades game.
The offensive line shouldn't see too much change with Warren returning. It may affect whether they want to play him, but they might be content with who they got on the roster at the moment.
Houston has some work to do to get into the winning column this season as they travel home to take on the Birmingham Stallions in Week 2 action.