The biggest news this week for fans of spring football was the return of popular Seattle Sea Dragons quarterback Ben DiNucci to the NFL. A former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, DiNucci led the Sea Dragons to a playoff berth. DiNucci heralded his return, posting on X, that he signed with the New Orleans Saints. “I have fun news. I signed with the Saints this morning. Source – myself (fairly credible).”
Ben DiNucci -New Orleans Saints Quarterback
As of late last week, DiNucci was on the practice squad but the Saints may activate him soon. DiNucci’s strong arm and leadership ability might be sorely needed after the Saints lost Derek Carr in week 14. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler is struggling, posting two touchdowns and two interceptions in four games. Rattler failed to get off a two-point conversion attempt when the clock ran out and New Orleans lost a close game, 20-19 to the Washington Commanders.
KaVontae Turpin-Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver and Return Specialist
On Sunday, Dallas won a decisive game 30-14 against the Carolina Panthers. With Cee Dee Lamb finding a nice rhythm with quarterback Cooper Rush, the Dallas Cowboys offense is focusing on their number one target. However, the team continues to uncover new ways to work KaVontae Turpin into their offensive scheme.
Turpin had a 24-yard kickoff return that netted an extra 15 yards due to an unnecessary roughness call. In addition to his return duties, the former New Jersey Generals star was called into action as a running back and contributed two carries for 27 yards.
Brandon Aubrey-Dallas Cowboys Kicker
Brandon Aubrey had a busy afternoon on Sunday featuring heavily in the Cowboys’ win. The former Birmingham Stallions kicker had another impressive outing kicking three out of four field goals including a 52-yarder. He added a 45-yard field goal, a 41-yard boot, and three extra points in the Cowboys’ 30-14 victory.
Jake Bates -Detroit Lions Kicker
On Sunday, the former Michigan Panthers’ sensational young kicker, Jake Bates had a rare miss. On a night when everything seemed to go sideways for the Lions, Bates missed on his first field goal over fifty yards. The Lions lost a 48-42 heartbreaker to the Buffalo Bills, and although Bates contributed 6 out of 6 extra points, he missed a crucial 52-yard field goal.
Bates has made 21 of 23 field goals and 48 of 49 extra points, including five kicks over 50 yards. His season record is 91.3%, one of the best in the NFL. Despite an onslaught of brutal injuries this season, the Lions are 12-2 and have clinched a playoff berth.
Dondrea Tillman -Denver Broncos Offensive Linebacker
The Denver Broncos beat the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday by a score of 31-13. Former San Antonio Brahmas Offensive linebacker Dondrea Tillman is continuing his impressive season with Denver. Tillman had a strong outing on Sunday, contributing two of three solo tackles and one sack.
Jeremiah Pharms-New England Patriots Defensive Tackle
The New England Patriots had a tough afternoon on Sunday losing to the Arizona Cardinals 30-17. Jeremiah Pharms, the former Pittsburgh Maulers DT, contributed a tackle in the loss.
But Coach Jerod Mayo likes what he sees from Pharms. He had this to say about him during training camp, “He’s always trying to help no matter what you ask him to do. He just loves football, whether it’s playing offense, defensive line, on the practice team. Like, whatever it is, this guy’s going to give you a hundred percent, so I appreciate him.”
John Parker Romo – Kicker
The Patriots recently acquired former Minnesota Vikings kicker John Parker Romo. The former San Antonio Brahmas kicker played in four games in relief of injured Vikings kicker Will Reichard. Nailing 11 of 12 field goals including a 55-yarder, Romo made an impressive debut. The Patriots snapped him up immediately upon his release and signed Romo to their practice squad.
Jalen Redmond-Minnesota Vikings Defensive End
Coming off his best game of the season in week 14 where he recorded 4 tackles, Jalen Redmond, had a fairly quiet outing against the Chicago Bears. The former D.C. Defenders DE contributed two tackles, one solo in the Vikings’ 31-2 win over the Bears. The Vikings are now 12-2 on the season and have clinched a playoff berth.
Rex Sunahara-Cleveland Browns Long Snapper
Former San Antonio Brahma Rex Sunahara has appeared in nine games as the Cleveland Brown’s long-snapper this season. Unfortunately, the 3-11 Browns had another rough outing on Sunday losing 21-7 to the league-leading Kansas City Chiefs. Cleveland has already been eliminated from playoff contention and will look ahead to the draft and assess changes for next season.
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