It was a relatively quiet time for former UFL players as the NFL began the first of the bye week schedule. The Detroit Lions were one of four teams with a scheduled bye, leaving kicker Jake Bates and his practice squad teammate, Matthew McCrane enjoying some time off.
McCrane was just added to the practice squad two weeks ago. However, on Monday, October 7th, he was released from the Lions’ practice squad to make room for two additional linebackers.
Brandon Aubrey -Dallas Cowboys Kicker
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey helped his team secure an exciting 20-17 Sunday night victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aubrey converted 2/3 field goals but missed on a 38-yard attempt when the Steelers blocked the kick. It was only his second missed field goal of the year giving him an 87.5% rate out of 16 attempts. Aubrey’s longest kick of the night was an impressive 55-yarder.
KaVontae Turpin -Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver
Aubrey’s Cowboy’s teammate, former New Jersey Generals star wide receiver KaVontae Turpin, also had a strong outing with four receptions for 50 yards. Turpin has a total of 9 receptions for 105 yards with a touchdown. Dallas’ record is now 3-2 leaving them in second place in the NFC East and one game behind the Washington Commanders at 4-1.
Adrian Martinez -New York Jets Quarterback
But the biggest news of the week came out of New York when the Jets activated UFL league MVP and former Birmingham Stallions quarterback Adrian Martinez. Elevated from the practice squad ahead of their international game against the Vikings. Martinez traveled with the team to London as their emergency backup quarterback behind starter Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor. The move was necessitated by concern over Rodgers’ ongoing knee issues. As Rodgers continues to struggle and experience recurring knee soreness as a result of the wear and tear on his 40-year-old body, expect to see Martinez back in the lineup.
Jalen Redmond -Minnesota Vikings DE
Other former UFL players, such as Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jalen Redmond and Denver Broncos offensive lineman Dondrea Tillman, also had a quiet week. The Vikings continued their winning streak with a 10-7 victory over the New York Jets and are now one of the remaining undefeated teams with a 5-0 record.
Dondrea Tillman -Denver Broncos OL
While Dondrea Tillman wasn’t credited with any sacks or tackles, the Broncos and rookie quarterback Bo Nix pulled off an. impressive 34-18 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Tillman’s team is now 3-2 and in second place in the AFC West.
Looking ahead to week 6, Bates and the Lions will be back in action to take on the Dallas Cowboys in Texas. Redmond and the Vikings will be on bye this week while Tillman and the Broncos host the Los Angeles Chargers. The New York Jets will host their division rival, the Buffalo Bills.
Other Opportunities
As the NFL season continues to report news of new injuries, additional opportunities may open up for former UFL players to join the practice squad. For example, as the Miami Dolphins continue to struggle without franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, they might want to consider adding former Arlington Renegades quarterback Luis Perez to their roster. After an outstanding UFL season, Perez recently spent time on the practice squad with the Los Angeles Chargers during the preseason.
Another opportunity for a UFL kicker could arise with the report that the San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody’s high ankle sprain could keep him out of the lineup for several weeks. The 49ers might want to consider adding former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szymt or the recently released Matthew McCrane to their roster. Keep checking back here for the weekly updates.
