Two more former UFL players made team rosters this week as spring footballers continue to make an impact in the NFL.
Dondrea Tillman, Denver Broncos linebacker (Birmingham Stallions)
Sunday’s slate of games started early again this week with a London matchup between the 0-5 New York Jets and the 3-2 Denver Broncos. The Broncos jumped out to an early lead on a 16-yard Bo Nix touchdown pass to tight end Nate Adkins. Former Birmingham Stallions‘ OLB Dondrea Tillman, whose pass breakup last week contributed to Denver’s 21 -17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, had one tackle in the Broncos’ 13-11 win over the Jets.
Next Sunday, the 4-2 Broncos will take on the 2-4 New York Giants at Mile High Stadium.
Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks)
The 1-5 Cleveland Browns have struggled throughout the season, dealing with a multitude of issues. However, special teams have proven to be their most reliable and steady unit.
Former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szmyt accounted for all of the team’s scoring, converting all three field goal attempts, with his longest a 53-yarder.
Rex Sunahara, Cleveland Browns long snapper (San Antonio Brahmas)
Rex Sunahara, the former San Antonio Brahmas‘ long snapper, has been a solid performer on special teams this season, contributing three tackles in addition to his ball-handling duties.
The Browns have one of the toughest schedules. After facing some of the NFL’s toughest teams, they’ll attempt to get back on the winning track next Sunday when they host the 1-5 Miami Dolphins.
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys kicker (USFL Birmingham Stallions)
Continuing his run at another likely Pro Bowl season, former USFL Birmingham Stallions kicker Brandon Aubrey added three more extra points and two short field goals. However, it wasn’t enough for the win as the 2-3-1 Dallas Cowboys were upset by the 3-3 Carolina Panthers.
Aubrey, the Special Teams Player of the Month for September, is now 12 out of 12 field goals with his longest a 64-yarder. Aubrey has been perfect with 18 of 18 extra points.
KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (USFL New Jersey Generals)
Out for a second game this week, KaVontae Turpin, the league’s top-ranked special teams player, missed a second game after suffering a foot injury in the Cowboys’ overtime 40-40 tie against the Green Bay Packers.
Dallas will look to rebound next week when the team takes on the 3-2 Washington Commanders at home.
Lucas Havrisik-Green Bay Packers kicker (San Antonio Brahmas)
Two former spring players made a big impact Sunday in the 3-1-1 Green Bay Packers’ impressive 27-18 win over the 2-4 Cincinnati Bengals. Newly signed to the team just days ago to fill in for the injured Brandon McManus, former San Antonio Brahmas kicker, Lucas Havrisik kicked two field goals and three extra points.
Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
Daniel Whelan contributed two punts for 91 yards in the Packers’ victory. Last season, Whelan broke the Packers’ franchise record, averaging 46-plus yards per punt and 40-plus net yards per punt in a single season.
Green Bay will face the 2-4 Arizona Cardinals next week.
Adrian Martinez, San Francisco 49ers quarterback (Birmingham Stallions)
Finally, making an NFL roster after spending last season on the New York Jets practice squad, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Adrian Martinez was on the field Sunday as Mac Jones’ backup. However, he did not record a snap in the team’s 30-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle (Arlington Renegades)
The Vikings were on Bye this week. Jalen Redmond and his team will resume play on Sunday when they meet the 4-2 Philadelphia Eagles.
Jake Bates, Detroit Lions kicker ( Michigan Panthers)
On Sunday night, the 4-2 Detroit Lions lost a heartbreaker to the 3-3 Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 30-17. Jake Bates, the former Michigan Panthers star kicker, was perfect on the night, converting a 28-yard field goal and two extra points. Sadly, it wasn’t enough for the Lions’ suddenly struggling offense to overcome a swarming defensive effort.
Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions running back (St. Louis Battlehawks)
With veteran running back Craig Reynolds returning from injury this week to handle kickoff duties, Jacob Saylors was relegated to blocking on returns. With Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs scoring at will, it was a busy night. Reynolds had five returns for 118 yards. Saylors did not record any stats.
Nick Whiteside, Detroit Lions cornerback (St. Louis Battlehawks)
The newest former UFL player to join the Lions, former Battlehawks’ cornerback Nick Whiteside, was activated earlier this week as the Lions continue to add players to fill in for their injury-riddled defense. Whiteside had an impressive preseason with the team, but did not survive final roster cuts. While he didn’t record any stats on Sunday night, with Detroit’s secondary accumulating injuries at an alarming rate, Whiteside has an opportunity to contribute to the team.
Next Monday night, the Lions will return home to face the 5-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
LaCale London, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle (XFL St. Louis Battlehawks)
When the 2-2 Atlanta Falcons take the field tonight to face the 4-1 Buffalo Bills, they will be without former St. Louis Battlehawks‘ DT LaCale London. After not practicing this week, London was ruled out ahead of the game with a triceps injury.
Parker Romo, Atlanta Falcons kicker (XFL San Antonio Brahmas)-UPDATE
The Atlanta Falcons beat the reigning MVP, Josh Allen, and the Buffalo Bills last night by a resounding score of 24-14. The Falcons’ defense doubled down, sacking Allen four times and forcing two interceptions.
The offense had sterling performances from running back Bijan Robinson (19 carries for a touchdown plus six receptions for 68 yards) and Drake London (10 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown. Parker Romo contributed a field goal and three extra points in the victory, but a second field goal was blocked.
Next week, the 3-2 Falcons will take on the 4-2 San Francisco 49ers.
