Monday brought a mixed bag of news for the Michigan Panthers. They brought back RB Matt Colburn, but lost LB Frank Ginda for the remainder of the UFL season, as he’s been placed on IR. The Panthers also released RB Jaden Shirden.
RB Matt Colburn Returns
After Colburn went down with injury in week two against Birmingham, he’s officially back on the roster, having been activated off of IR. Colburn’s been one of the leading backs for Michigan over the past two years, and now comes back to Marcel Bellefeuille’s offense – a system he’s been a part of for four seasons in Philadelphia and Michigan.
Colburn posted 401 rushing yards and five touchdowns with the Panthers in 2024, emerging as the clear RB1 after Wes Hills went down with a quad injury in week eight.
This season, Matt had 18 carries for 76 yards, prior to being placed on IR. He’ll have to find a way to fit back into this offense, as the Panthers have seen quite a bit of production out of Toa Taua in the backfield, alongside Nate McCrary. Michigan is loaded at RB, but Colburn’s been a mainstay for this team in so many ways – also contributing on special teams.
With Colburn coming back, the team has released Jaden Shirden. Shirden didn’t get the chance to see too many touches this year, outside of a week three game against the Brahmas where he impressed with a 40 yard touchdown run which eventually lifted them to victory. The shifty back just couldn’t find a way to fit into the Panthers offensive system, and with how well Taua has played, sees the short end of the stick in Michigan.
LB Frank Ginda To IR
Frank Ginda and this Michigan Panthers defense cannot catch a break. Ginda has been placed on IR with the same pec injury that he suffered last year – crazy enough, against the Arlington Renegades. This time, the injury occurred one week later, which essentially means that his year is done.