Not many Houston Gamblers fans could have imagined that change would happen so quickly, but a 36-17 loss to the Dallas Renegades in Week 1 would trigger something to be changed.
According to the UFL Communication Department's X page, the Gamblers have put in a waiver request with safety Markel Roby after just one game. Roby had one tackle and one pass deflection in the loss to the Renegades, but had a dropped interception in the contest as well.
Over the last two years in Houston, Roby has been a consistent starter and one of the best defenders on the team. He has racked up 96 tackles, eight pass deflections, three interceptions, two tackles for loss, and one forced fumble in 17 games between 2024 and 2025.
Houston Gamblers cut Markel Roby
This will certainly complicate what the Gamblers need to do defensively as they lose a key starter. While Roby was not part of the solution, it seems like an odd move to cut him, even if he was a part of the secondary that allowed a UFL regular season record 376 passing yards from Renegades quarterback Austin Reed.
If fans went by the depth chart shared from the Gamblers-Renegades game in Week 1, it appears as though Nico Bolden would be the next man up to replace Roby. Bolden is no stranger to Houston defensive coordinator Marvin Sanders' defense, as he was a key contributor on his unit last year when the two were with the Renegades. Before Dallas, Bolden was also a member of the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2024.
Gamblers players should see this as a clear signal from the coaching staff that changes can be made at any time. While there are still nine games left in the season, every loss in a 10-game season can sting quite a bit if a team can't bounce back right away.
Houston better be ready, as they are playing at home in Week 2 but will be going up against one of the UFL's best wide receiver rooms with the Birmingham Stallions on Sunday.