Less than an hour after the announcement of Darrius Shepherd signing with the LA Chargers, another Battlehawks Wide Receiver was signed after a successful workout. After being invited to try out for the Bills against another 6’4 Wide Receiver Preston Williams, the Bills opted for the former Oklahoma State standout signing him to a 1-year deal, releasing WR Braydon Johnson.
Ateman returns to the NFL after playing in Seven games recording 19 receptions for 259 receiving yards. Ateman was a 7th round draft pick in 2018, appearing in 19 games over in the NFL recording 20 receptions for 270 receiving yards and 1 touchdown with the Raiders. Ateman spent 2022 training camp with the Arizona Cardinals before getting released on August 22nd. Ateman would be drafted by the Battlehawks with the 2nd overall pick in the skill players portion of the XFL November Draft. Coming into the 2023 season Ateman was ranked as XFL News Hub’s #1 Ranked player prior to the season.
Ateman joins his fellow Wide Receivers Hakeem Butler, Darrius Shepherd, and Gary Jennings, on NFL rosters while becoming the 7th Battlehawk to earn an NFL opportunity. So far 26 players from the 2026 XFL season have gone on to begin participating in NFL OTAs with only San Antonio Brahmas Running Back being released by the Denver Broncos. As teams continue to practice it’s only inevitable that injuries and poor performance may lead to more XFL players earn their next opportunity.
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