
Which former UFL star was responsible for a clutch play this week that secured the win for his team?
Former Michigan Panthers kicking sensation, Jake Bates, kicked a clutch come-from-behind field goal and the Detroit Lions won the game by a score of 31-29.
Jake Bates -Detroit Lions Kicker
The Lions, who led the Minnesota Vikings for much of the game, were down late in the 4th quarter by a score of 29-28. With 15 seconds remaining on the game clock, Bates came through with a stunning 44-yard field goal. The win gave the Lions a record of 5-1 to tie the Vikings but more importantly, the team is now in sole possession of first place in the NFC North division ahead of Minnesota.
Bates has been terrific all season for the Lions, kicking 10 out of 10 field goals and 20 out of 21 extra points. During his time in the UFL, Bates was renowned for consistently kicking 60-yard field goals for the Michigan Panthers. Since the Lions haven’t required his big boot thus far, Bates’ longest kick thus far remains a 48-yarder.
Brandon Aubrey -Dallas Cowboys Kicker
The Dallas Cowboys were on a bye this week.
KaVontae Turpin -Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver
The Dallas Cowboys were on a bye this week.
Jalen Redmond -Minnesota Vikings DE
No tackles or sacks were credited to Jalen Redmond in the Vikings 31-29 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Dondrea Tillman -Denver Broncos Offensive Lineman
Although Dondrea Tillman made a splashy NFL debut and appeared in the Broncos’ last four games, he was inactive this week. Making room on the roster for the return of outside linebacker Baron Browning who was re-activated this week, Tillman did not play against the New Orleans Saints. Denver won on the road by a score of 33-10.
Adrian Martinez-New York Jets QB
Despite another losing effort and a two-interception performance from New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, UFL MVP Adrian Martinez was inactive this week on the practice squad. Even the recent signing of star wide receiver Davante Adams didn’t prevent the Jets from losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers by a score of 36-15.
The Jets now have a record of 2-5. Jets fans take notice; with his superior speed and mobility, Adrian Martinez could potentially provide the spark to turn the Jets’ losing season around.
Kohl Levao-New York Jets OL
Kohl Levao, the former San Antonio Brahmas OL remained on the practice squad again this week.
Other UFL to NFL Player Updates
Blake Watson -Denver Broncos RB
Memphis Showboats‘ running back Blake Watson took a spin on the NFL practice squad merry-go-round this week. The Denver Broncos signed Watson to their practice squad earlier this season. Then to make room for a player returning from injured reserve ahead of the Saints game, they released him. After the victory over the Saints, Watson was resigned to the Broncos practice squad.
Tucker Addington -New England Patriots LS
In week 6, former USFL Houston Gambler Tucker Addington was signed to the New England Patriots practice squad. Addington was active as the long snapper for the Patriots’ 41-21 loss to the Houston Texans. However, he remained on the Patriots practice squad this week when the team traveled to the U.K. ahead of their 32-16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jalen Dalton -Dallas Cowboys DL
Former San Antonio Brahmas defensive lineman Jalen Dalton is the latest UFL player to be signed to the NFL. Newly signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad during the bye week, Dalton previously played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. In seven games with the Falcons, Dalton was credited with 13 tackles. Dalton could be activated as soon as week 8 when the Cowboys travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers.
The San Francisco 49ers are currently dealing with a raft of injuries especially among their wide receiver corp. Sadly, as the season progresses, injuries to NFL players are inevitable. Additional opportunities for practice squad players are likely. Keep checking back here for weekly updates.