January 9th is when training camp began and ever since that day, players have been joining and getting released from the team. Flash forward to the week of January 16th and there have been multiple moves that could have an effect sooner or later for the team.
Signings That Have Occurred This Week:
The Vegas Vipers on Friday (1/20) went out and signed Brian Burt (RB/WR). After having interest in him before the draft they decided to sign the college wide receiver turned XFL running back on Friday. The former Las Vegas Raider now joins John Lovett, DeAndre Torrey, and Rod Smith in what could be a dangerous back field.
Releases Over The Past Week:
In the width span of 2 days the Vipers released 4 players (1 RB/ 1 WR/ 1 TE/ 1 OL). Matt Jones, who they picked in the 5th round was a 1x All Pro running back for the XFL back in 2020. He was released Saturday (1/21) after posting a story on Instagram saying “I gave the game my all, No question, No Doubting!”
The same day they released wide receiver Isiah Macklin (From Las Vegas) who they drafted in the 7th round. The very next day, they also released tight end Jordan Wilson and o-lineman Ben Petrula. Petrula, a former Cleveland Brown, was selected by the Vipers in the 2nd round with the 13th pick and was a surprising release considering that he was expected to be a starter for the team.
Injured And Non-Injured Reserve List Add-Ons:
2 players were added to the reserve list starting with Taeyler Porter on Friday (1/20) when it was announced he had pulled his Hamstring (Femoris Muscle) during practice. This means once he is healthy he will be available to sign to a new team as soon as possible. Rod Henderson (DT) was also added to the list after he had also suffered an injury in practice, but his injury had occurred in his foot.
Kevin McGill (CB), a former Los Angeles Charger, was recently signed 2 weeks ago and was put on the regular reserve list this week. No info has come out on if he has been at practice or not but no news has indicated that he has signed to a NFL team (Futures Deal).
Final Wrap Up:
February 18th is when the XFL season begins, which means the Vipers will need to have the roster down to 66 players. The Vipers currently have 69 active players on the roster with 2 players on injured reserve and Kevin McGill on the regular reserve list. As of right now, the XFL has no certain deadline of when cuts should happen which means players will most likely be released and signed until Week 1 hits, but the roster has to have 66 players on it no matter what.
Unleash the Action: Sign up for XFL Insider and Fuel Your Passion for Football!
