It was a relatively slow week for UFL to NFL athletes, with a couple of players not being on the active roster this week. The Dallas Cowboys were on a bye, meaning that KaVontae Turpin and Brandon Aubrey did not see the field. Additionally, Micah Abernathy of the Falcons is on injured reserve, and is likely to miss significant time.
That said, there were a few former spring football athletes that made their mark this weekend. First up, it was the Michigan Panthers legend himself, Jake Bates, that made major media waves. He only attempted one field goal this weekend, but it was an important one; knocking through a 44 yard kick to essentially win the game for Detroit.
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP pic.twitter.com/CH44IwQY02
— Official Jake Bates Stan Account (@USFLPanthers) October 20, 2024
In addition to that field goal, he was 4/4 on XP attempts, scoring seven points for the Lions in their 31-29 victory in Minnesota. Bates has taken the NFL by storm this season, which is no surprise given the fact that he did the exact same thing in the UFL.
Dan Campbell post-game speeches are the way to start the week right. pic.twitter.com/MqCYP5opF5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 21, 2024
Former DC Defenders punter Daniel Whelan had himself a day in Green Bay’s win. He had five punts for 284 yards, with a long of 66 yards. He’s been excellent for the Packers the last two seasons, and continues to shine as a strong specialist for Green Bay from week to week.
See also
![Let's Talk XFL | The Beginning [Ep. 1]](https://i0.wp.com/pfnewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ltxfl-the-beginning-featured.jpg?resize=100%2C100&ssl=1)
Daniel Whelan punted five times today for 284 yards, a 56.8-yard gross average that is the second-best single-game average in team history behind only Roy McKay’s 61.6-yard average on five punts vs. the Chicago Cardinals in 1945. pic.twitter.com/DsmK6DjVA8
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) October 20, 2024
Finally, former Philadelphia Stars DT LaBryan Ray had four tackles, as the Panthers fell to the Commanders 40-7 on Sunday.
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What are your thoughts on Jake Bates and his success? Which UFL to NFL players need an opportunity? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
