Running back Pooka Williams in DC Defenders preseason scrimmage. (Twitter)
The D.C. Defenders let up 37 points to the previously 0-6 Orlando Guardians in their first loss of the season last week. During the game, DB K.J. Sails and OL Mike Maietti suffered injuries that put them on the reserve list, creating a void and opening up roster spots for D.C. to address its concerns. In response, the Defenders added defensive backs, D.J. Swearinger and Isaiah Johnson. They also brought back RB Pooka Williams – who spent time with D.C. earlier in the season before his release and a brief stint with the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Defensive additions
Swearinger, 31, returns to the DMV – this time as a D.C. Defender. The 2013 second-round draft pick spent two seasons with the Washington Commanders from 2017 to 2018 – where he earned defensive captain rights in his first season with them. In 2018, the Commanders released Swearinger after publicly criticizing the team’s defensive coordinator – despite his high productivity for the team. He has since bounced around NFL teams and practice squads, with his most recent spell having been with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. Overall, the strong safety has tallied 425 tackles with 43 pass deflections, 14 interceptions, and nine forced fumbles with seven different squads. But as we’ve seen with guys like Josh Gordon, NFL success doesn’t always mean XFL domination. Nonetheless, the hard-hitting Swearinger could have an immediate influence as a rotational member of D.C.’s secondary – which got torched in the loss against the Guardians.
D.C. also added Isaiah Johnson following K.J. Sails’ injury sustained last week. Johnson originally played receiver at Houston before transitioning to cornerback for his upperclassmen years, where he found success, putting up 115 tackles and four interceptions. However, he’s struggled to catch on at the pro level in part due to injuries.
Pooka Williams’ return
Williams was part of the Defenders’ 51-man roster until week four when he was released. After Williams got cut, he immediately found his footing, signing with the Battlehawks before they released him in week six. The 5-10 174 lbs running back is yet to take an XFL snap but will certainly be in the kick return mix for the Defenders, with both Jequez Ezzard and K.J. Sails dealing with injuries.
