Sunday was a tough day for UFL players, as many of their dreams of making the final rosters ended in the first wave of mandatory cuts. The defending XFL champion Arlington Renegades released 16 players to get down to 58 players.
Here is the full list of players who were cut:
- LB B.J. Bello
- DT Trevon Coley
- DT Doug Costin
- RB Morgan Ellison
- DB Nasir Greer
- WR Charles Hall
- CB Elijah Hamilton
- WR Calvin Jackson
- WR Matt Landers
- FS Christian Morgan
- QB Drew Plitt
- OT Teton Saltes
- TE Jared Scott
- OG Jake Stetz
- C Nassir Watkins
- OLB Jordan Wright
As is usually the case with training camp cuts, there were some surprises on the list. Starting with skill players on offense, Plitt — the team's 2023 opening day starting quarterback — will not make the final roster. He recently re-signed with the team after a stint with the Cincinnati Bengals last year. The arrival of Lindsey Scott and the return of Luis Perez made it more of a challenge to grab a starting job.
Ellison was one of the best running backs in the XFL last year with the Seattle Sea Dragons, but an injury in the middle of the season ended his campaign early. It appears he could not beat out the likes of De’Veon Smith, Leddie Brown and Devin Darrington.
Stetz was a key player on the offensive line last year, getting plenty of time at guard with injuries that occurred. Even with Garrett McGhin’s season-ending injury, Bobby Evans’ arrival before training camp gave more competition to one of the top offensive lines in the UFL.
One name on the defensive side of the ball that was somewhat of a surprise was Costin. Last season with the Renegades, he played four games at defensive tackle and was familiar with the system. Like other positions, added talent on the defensive line made it tough for Costin to do it.
The final roster cutdown for UFL teams will be on March 23.
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