Life for a player 54 is often extremely volatile for professional athletes on the cusp of greatness. Week 5 of the NFL season was no exception as Three XFL players were released from their respective practice squads. This week the Battlehawks Marcell Ateman, Roughnecks Michael Bandy, and Brahmas Reid Sinnett all found themselves looking for new jobs this week, as all Three are now released.
The Bills were Ateman’s 3rd NFL team since coming out of Oklahoma State in 2018 as a 7th Round Pick. After being released during final cuts, Buffalo signed the former Battlehawk to their practice squad immediately. Ateman recorded 19 receptions for 259 receiving yards for St. Louis despite dealing with injuries throughout the XFL season.
Bandy was the second Receiver to be released this week from the XFL. Bandy was a late signing by the Roughnecks, appearing in two games recording Five Receptions for 35 Receiving Yards. Bandy was on his 2nd NFL team after spending parts of the last several seasons with the LA Chargers. The former University of San Diego Alum, cut his teeth in football by playing Brian Woods’ Spring League in 2021. Another San Diego was Quarterback Reid Sinnett who was released in favor of Battlehawks QB A.J. McCarron. Sinnett was on his 2nd stint with the Bengals after appearing in one game for the Brahmas in the 2023 XFL season. The well-traveled veteran has played with the Bucs, Eagles, Dolphins and Bengals since leaving San Diego as a UDFA in 2020.
As with the USFL, often times Alt-Football alums will cannibalize each other for roster spots especially on the practice squad. So far the XFL has seen 66 players earn NFL contracts with Brad Wing and Dan Whelan (both punters), appearing in an NFL game from the 2023 class.
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