St. Louis is getting a “Becht” connection to the Battlehawks this week. After the dynamic performance led by Nick Tiano against the Vipers in week 8, the Battlehawks were met with some unfortunate news for their Backup Quarterback, per Andy Carroll, and the XFL PR department, Tiano has injured his foot and will be placed on IR for 4-6 weeks, his replacement will be Vincent Testaverde Jr. son of former Jets QB Vinny Testaverde who was Anthony Becht’s Quarterback during his time in New York.
Testaverde joins the XFL for the 2nd time in his career. The 2019 NFL UDFA has spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL), BC Lions (CFL), Arizona Rattlers (IFL), Albany Empire (NAL), and Edmonton Elks (CFL). The well-traveled 26-year-old is no stranger to bouncing around football teams, as prior to his professional career, Testaverde, was a member of three college football teams, spending time at Texas Tech, University of Miami, and SUNY Albany, before graduating in 2019. Testaverde totaled 1,830 Passing Yards 11 Touchdowns and 13 Interceptions in 9 appearances while in school.
With the signing of Testaverde Jr. it signals the end of Tiano for the 2023 season. Tiano led the Battlehawks to a dynamic overtime game in week 8, cementing him the lore of St. Louis fans for years. Tiano finishes the 2023 Season with 199 Passing Yards 1 TD 2 INTs along with 51 Rushing Yards on 8 Attempts.
The Battlehawks look to still be in good shape at the Quarterback position moving forward. MVP front runner AJ McCarron looks to be cleared and ready to go for week 9, not being mentioned on the injury report this week, with Manny Wilkins being listed as the backup. With Tiano, now out for the rest of the season, the QB room gets a new signal caller in Testaverde Jr, who gets a first-hand look at the preparation and insight that OC Bruce Gradkowski and AJ McCarron bring to the St. Louis Offense.
Cover Photo Credit to the XFL and St. Louis Battlehawks
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