Alt-League QBs were active on the waiver wire and playing field for week 14, despite Taylor Heinicke being on a bye week. Week 14 in the NFL saw former AAF Hotshots QB John Wolford make his third start of the season, while former LA Wildcats QB Josh Johnson made his 2022 debut for the 49ers. Additionally, former AAF Commanders QB Logan Woodside was signed off the Titans practice squad and added to the Atlanta Falcons Active Roster to back up Desmond Ridder for the final four weeks of the season.
Wolford has started three games this year and has been dealing with a neck injury the past several weeks. On Thursday Night Football, Wolford started however, only played three snaps, before Baker Mayfield took over to lead an improbable comeback. With Wolford’s injury and Mayfield’s resurgence it appears the former Hotshots season may be over, as it appears the Rams are looking forward to next year. Mayfield has already been tabbed the starter for Week 15, while Wolford remains on the injury report. In 2022 Wolford went 1-2 as a starter throwing for 390 yards 1 TD and 3 Ints, he also added 32 yards on the ground. Wolford is a free agent after the 2022 season and has earned over 2.6 million dollars since leaving the AAF in 2019.
Josh Johnson made his 2022 debut for the 49ers in Week 14. Johnson who is a veteran of the UFL, 14 NFL teams, the AAF (Fleet Draftee), and XFL saw action via eleven snaps this week’s 35-7 blowout over the Bucs. Johnson was 1/2 for 10 yards in addition to adding 3 on the ground. For Johnson who’s with the 49ers for the 4th time in career continues to provide veteran leadership especially at a time when the 49ers have young QBs like Trey Lance, Brock Purdy, and Jacob Eason while working towards a championship.
Logan Woodside was signed off the Titans Practice Squad and added to the Falcons Active Roster, to finish the 2023 season. Woodside who has been with the Titans since leaving the AAF’s Commanders is reunited with the Titans former Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith where the two worked together in 2019-2020. Woodside has appeared in eleven games throwing three passes and completing one for seven yards. Woodside has also rushed for four yards on thirteen attempts. During his time in the AAF Woodside threw for 1,353 and 7 TDs while leading the Commanders to a 5-3 record before the league ceased operations. For the Falcons Woodside looks to back up Desmond Ridder as Marcus Mariota is suspected to go on injured reserve.
XFL Draftee Workouts:
Two XFL Draftees Abram Smith (Defenders), and John Lovett (Vipers) worked out for Titans this week. Smith was the 1st overall skill player to be drafted while Lovett was drafted in the 2nd round of the Skill Player Draft. Smith was undrafted out of Baylor, before spending 2022 with the Saints before getting cut. Lovett was also an UDFA in 2022 after going to school at Baylor and Penn State. Lovett has spent 2022 on and off the practice squad for the Carolina Panthers before getting drafted by the Vegas Vipers.
XFL Prospect Carson Strong was signed by the Arizona Cardinals in an effort to bolster their QB room due to Kyler Murray’s injury. Originally undrafted out of Nevada Strong spent the 2022 Preseason with the Eagles before getting released during final cuts. Strong has been to multiple workouts with XFL Director of QB Development Jordan Palmer.
Benkert on Hiatus?
Despite being offered a contract with the Houston Roughnecks, Benkert has opted to not participate in any spring football leagues in 2023. Though not officially retiring Benkert has stated that he wishes to spend the winter with his family per his twitter. It appears for Benkert moving forward he’ll only be signing with a team if the opportunity that is presented to him is most advantageous for his personal life. For this the at XFL News Hub commends the Benkert’s and wishes them a safe and enjoyable off-season.
Look for more news XFL/Alt League alumni as the NFL season continues to move forward. With injuries always prevalent teams will continue to seek talent from alternative sources whether it be USFL, XFL, TSL, and FCF players to fill out the final weeks of the season. For XFL player movements be sure to check in with XFL News Hub for the latest news in the Alt-League universe.
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