Since my last article regarding Roughnecks players moving up to the NFL level, there have been a couple more signings that are important to review. As of August 1st, there are seven Roughnecks players who were with the team in 2023 on NFL rosters, although only five saw in-game action. Of the two mentioned here, only one appeared in a game.
That player would be Michael Bandy, the former Los Angeles Chargers wideout who was a late-season addition in Houston. Bandy was expected to fill a large void left behind by an injured Jontre Kirklin, but he dealt with injuries of his own and would only appear in two games. Bandy caught 5 passes for 35 yards over that short stretch, but even if those numbers are far from exciting, the move was really made to keep him in shape and get extra reps during the NFL offseason.
Once the XFL season was completed, Bandy was invited to work out with the Kansas City Chiefs. Although he was not signed, the AFC West rival Denver Broncos would offer him a contract, and he officially became a member of the team on July 28th. The 25-year-old San Diego product will battle for a spot in training camp, which should be made easier by the losses of Tim Patrick (achilles tear) and KJ Hamler (short-term heart condition).
The second Roughnecks player to sign with an NFL team would be cornerback Andrew Whitaker, who was drafted by Houston but did not make it onto the final roster. The Washington-St. Louis (Division III) product was re-signed around the time of the rookie draft in June, and has since finalized a deal with the Seattle Seahawks following a successful workout. Whitaker will join two players in Seahawks training camp, defensive tackle Roderick Perry and cornerback Chris Steele, who had their rights claimed by the Roughnecks last week.
On the topic of rights claims, a third player who was added to the Roughnecks roster after the rookie draft has also joined a new NFL team. Wide receiver Cody Chrest, the former Sam Houston State standout who had a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, signed with the Green Bay Packers on July 26th. Houston placed Chrest on the reserve list as a result.
