After falling to the Stallions in week four, DC Defenders GM Von Hutchins and HC Reggie Barlow have decided to make a few minor tweaks to the roster. The team has signed DT Kevin Atkins and TE Ben Bresnahan to the roster, while also waiving RB Pooka Williams Jr., and placing DT Joe Wallace on the injured reserve list.
JUST IN: The @XFLDefenders have announced three #UFL transactions, via @UFL_PR.
Signed:
-DT Kevin Atkins
Waived:
-RB Pooka Williams Jr.
Placed on IR:
-DT Joe Wallace pic.twitter.com/304oDqeP2H
— Christian Paolantonio (@PaolantonioPFN) April 23, 2024
The Losses
Starting with the release of RB Pooka Williams Jr., Pooka began week one as the team’s starting kick returner, and did a fine job in his one (and only) start of 2024. DC began using WR Chris Rowland as kick and punt returner and the move had paid off, as Rowland is currently fourth in the UFL in all-purpose yards with 459 total. As it’s been made publicly aware, Williams was in trouble with the law back in December of last year. The charges are fairly significant, but no word at this time on whether his release is tied to this incident.
Moving onto the loss of Joe Wallace to the injured reserve list. While the injury specifics remain uncertain, losing Wallace hurts the team in more ways than one. Wallace’s play speaks for itself, but the leadership he brought as a returning member of the defensive line will be missed for at least five games.
The Additions
With the loss of Joe Wallace, the team signed former Battlehawks DT Kevin Atkins to the team, announced on Monday by UFL PR. Atkins is coming off a season where he played in all ten games for St. Louis, and is regarded as one of the top defensive lineman from last season in the XFL. Following last season, Atkins signed with the New York Giants training camp roster, but was later released.
Kevin Atkins with the @xflbattlehawks invited to @Giants camp!#XFLtoNFL | #XFL | #LeagueOfOpportunity