As far as revenge goes, the Birmingham Stallions did not have much to look forward to in 2023. However, there was one USFL game they had circled on their calendars: a week five matchup with the Houston Gamblers.
The Houston Gamblers were the only team to beat the Birmingham Stallions in 2022. This week, the Stallions will get their shot at payback—but it will look quite different than expected.
New Look Stallions
The Stallions entered the season with a good bit of continuity from last year. They brought back starting quarterback J’Mar Smith, running back Bo Scarbrough, top wide receiver Marlon Williams, and star middle linebacker Scooby Wright. The bad news for the Stallions? Every single one of those players is now on injured reserve.
Coach Holtz had hoped other players would be back from injury this week, including defensive back JoJo Tillery and defensive end Joe Jackson—a new addition to the team who looked dominant in week one but has not played since. However, both remain on the injury report and are inactive for this week.
Terry Time
Kenji Bahar began last season as the Gamblers’ backup quarterback, but by their week nine matchup with the Stallions, he was the starter. He went on to become the only quarterback to lead his team to a victory against the Birmingham Stallions last year. He was looking to go 2-0 against the Stallions in their rematch this week.
Unfortunately for him and the Gamblers, he won’t get that opportunity. Bahar injured his ankle in the second half of last week’s game against the Stars. He seemed to be trending to return this week, but a week later he found himself questionable to return and on the inactive list. Terry Wilson will start in his place. Wilson was with the team last year but only appeared in one game.
OH MY GOODNESS!! WHAT A TOUCHDOWN FOR THE @USFLGamblers😱 🔥
You have to see it to believe it! pic.twitter.com/JLL6x4V3Cu
— USFL (@USFL) May 6, 2023
With so many of last…