The beginning of the season for every incarnation of spring football has featured somewhat of a feeling out period for each team. Without the benefit of full preseason games, coaching staffs base their depth charts on a short training camp and limited live work. And sometimes, they get it wrong. Those decisions are often corrected on the fly over the first couple regular season games, when coaches finally have enough game tape of their own players to make the necessary changes.
I wanted to take a look at the snap counts by position for each team through the first three games to visualize those on-the-fly changes (snap counts provided by Pro Football Focus). We see players go from being healthy scratches to starting, and vice-versa. Players see their snap counts significantly increase or decrease based on early-season production – or lack thereof. Studying snap counts is a good barometer to see where teams are headed as the league barrels toward the midway point of the season. First up are teams from the XFL Conference.
I’ve included the total number of offensive and defensive snaps for that week as part of the heading for each position group for comparison purposes. Here are some other keys to reading the charts below:
An asterisk (*) next to a number indicates the player was in the starting lineup for that game. “I” means “inactive,” and whether they were injured (“Inj”) or whether it was a coach’s decision (“CD”) is indicated beside it. You’ll also see the “Inj” designation next to a player if their low snap count can be attributed to an injury suffered in that game. “N/A” means they were not on the roster for that week’s game. I’ll also note when players were waived or placed on injured reserve.
Arlington Renegades
Quarterbacks
Week 1 (50 snaps)
Week 2 (62)
Week 3 (77)
Luis Perez
48*
56*
70*
Lindsey Scott, Jr.
2
7
7
Holton Ahlers
0 (I – 3rd QB)
0 (I – 3rd QB)
0 (I – 3rd QB)
There was more than a little preseason buzz around what roles young QBs Holton Ahlers and Lindsey Scott, Jr. would end up playing in Arlington’s offense. Scott has a solid hold on the number two job thanks to his unique skill set that has been utilized successfully – albeit in small doses – by Renegades offensive coordinator Chuck Long. Scott’s snaps could increase as the season progresses and as wrinkles are added to the scheme. But this is still Luis Perez’s team. At 0-3, it’s fair to wonder if Arlington is out of it late in the season, could Scott and Ahlers get more of a look?
Running Backs
Week 1 (50 snaps)
Week 2 (62)
Week 3 (77)
De’Veon Smith
27*
24*
36*
Leddie Brown
23
37
35
Dae Dae Hunter
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
9
Due to their need to be in comeback mode in all three games so far, Leddie Brown’s share of snaps is comparable to that of starter De’Veon Smith. If Arlington has an opportunity to salt a game away, expect a heavier dose of Smith. Dae Dae Hunter was active for the first time on Saturday, earning a handful of snaps as the team’s scatback.
Tight Ends
Week 1 (50 snaps)
Week 2 (62)
Week 3 (77)
Sal Cannella
41*
41*
59
Seth Green
18
29*
30*
Austin Allen
7
18
15
Sal Cannella is the clear #1 even if scheme dictated Seth Green taking the first snap of the game against D.C. The hierarchy of the three tight ends is pretty clear, though Arlington is not afraid to use all three, especially within its two-tight end sets. The usage of that formation seems to have increased exponentially from game one to game three. Green will occasionally line up at fullback as well.
Wide Receivers
Week 1 (50 snaps)
Week 2 (62)
Week 3 (77)
Tyler Vaughns
45*
47*
65*
JaVonta Payton
33*
38*
57*
Deontay Burnett
31*
24
43
Isaiah Winstead
19
21
27
Juwan Manigo
6
14
9*
Caleb Vander Esch
0
16
0 (I – CD)
Lujuan Winningham
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
Like at TE, you can see a clear pecking order here. Tyler Vaughns had a breakout game last week, while JaVonta Payton and Deontay Burnett have proven to be adequate if inconsistent complimentary pieces. Similar to Hunter at RB, expect the Renegades to get Juwan Manigo more involved in the offense with plays designed to get him into space. He has already shown explosiveness on returns. Lujuan Winningham is a great example of the result of increased depth from the USFL-XFL merger: He started three games and had 11 catches for Arlington last season, but can’t get on the field this year.
Offensive Line
Week 1 (50 snaps)
Week 2 (62)
Week 3 (77)
Bobby Evans
50*
62*
77*
Cameron Hunt
50*
0
56
Adrian Ealy
50*
0
35
Dru Samia
50*
62*
43*
Chris Owens
9* (Inj)
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
Jake Lacina
41
62*
55*
Marcus Minor
0 (I – CD)
62*
77*
Nolan Henderson
0
62*
42*
Only two players on the offensive line were on the field for every snap against D.C. as the Renegades continue to search for consistency along the line. They’re not unique to that search as teams all across the league continue to mix-and-match to find the right combination. An injury suffered by Chris Owens may have cost him his starting guard job; Marcus Minor has stepped in and played well. Nolan Henderson and Adrian Ealy shared time at right tackle against the Defenders. Cameron Hunt is a game one starter who has seen the field as a backup since then.
Defensive Line
Week 1 (68 snaps)
Week 2 (57)
Week 3 (50)
DaVonte Lambert
41*
0 (I – Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
Tomasi Laulile
43*
33
23
Jalen Redmond
42
36*
37*
LaRon Stokes
0 (I – CD)
50*
32
Anree Saint-Amour
N/A
N/A
0 (I – CD)
LaRon Stokes has benefited from the absence of DaVonte Lambert, who has missed the last two games with a calf injury. Arlington has kept a pretty even rotation to ensure fresh bodies along the line. Even the reserves have seen a significant amount of playing time. Former Birmingham Stallion Anree Saint-Amour is a recent addition; we’ll see where he fits into the picture in week four.
Edge/Linebackers
Week 1 (68 snaps)
Week 2 (57)
Week 3 (50)
Will Clarke
45*
44*
30*
Vic Beasley
35*
34*
15*
Donald Payne
45*
45*
46*
Marquel Lee
54*
34*
23*
Willie Taylor III
39
41
37
Bunmi Rotimi
30
0 (I – CD)
26
Storey Jackson
27
10
6
Colin Schooler
0 (I – CD)
9
6
Tuzar Skipper
0
1
0 (IR)
The most noticeable numbers across the LB/Edge position is how consistent some snaps are (Donald Payne, Willie Taylor), even as the total snaps played by the D in three games are quite varied. The other thing that jumps out is how Marquel Lee’s snaps have decreased precipitously across the first three games. It’s hard to see where those snaps were made up unless it was the defense removing an inside linebacker in favor of an extra defensive back.
Cornerbacks
Week 1 (68 snaps)
Week 2 (57)
Week 3 (50)
Ajene Harris
42*
50*
48*
Darren Evans
53*
57*
49*
Steven Jones, Jr.
45*
37*
46*
Delonte Hood
30
23
3
Duron Lowe
31
9
23
Arlington has started every game in nickel, with the same three corners in the starting lineup for all three games. Delonte Hood and Duron Lowe seem to be alternating fourth corner, or dime, duties the last few games, though the top three are firmly entrenched. Arlington’s defense has not been a strength this season, so we’ll see if there continues to be lineup changes as the team tries to get into the win column.
Safeties
Week 1 (68 snaps)
Week 2 (57)
Week 3 (50)
Jamal Carter
21*
0 (I – Inj)
50*
Myles Dorn
68*
57*
50*
Tenny Adewusi
0 (I – CD)
51*
0 (I – CD)
Jamar Summers
53
6
0
Brandon Rusnak
4
0 (I – Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
Tenny Adewusi stepped in as the starter when Jamal Carter missed game two, but otherwise has been a healthy scratch. Myles Dorn has played every defensive snap this season so far. Jamar Summers seems to be transitioning from corner to safety (evidenced by his placement as backup at both safety spots on the team’s depth chart), though he played only on special teams against D.C.
D.C. Defenders
Quarterbacks
Week 1 (66 snaps)
Week 2 (64)
Week 3 (50)
Jordan Ta’amu
64*
64*
50*
Deondre Francois
2
0
0 (I – 3rd QB)
Jalan McClendon
0 (I – 3rd QB)
0 (I – 3rd QB)
0
The expectation was that Deondre Francois and Jalan McClendon would battle for the change-of-pace QB role occupied by D’Eriq King last season. Instead, it’s been the Jordan Ta’amu show and they’ve ditched the two-quarterback system. Given Ta’amu’s struggles (completing passes at a 51.5% clip), the team may want to think about reintroducing that aspect of the offense.
Running Backs
Week 1 (66 snaps)
Week 2 (64)
Week 3 (50)
Cam’Ron Harris
48*
26*
37*
Pooka Williams, Jr.
20
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
Darius Hagans
0 (I – CD)
38
12
The loss of Abram Smith has been felt early on as the run game has not exactly taken off. Darius Hagans seems to have leapfrogged Pooka Williams for the backup job, though it may be dependent upon the opponent given their differing running styles.
Tight Ends
Week 1 (66 snaps)
Week 2 (64)
Week 3 (50)
Briley Moore-McKinney
32*
43*
1* (Inj)
Alex Ellis
30
44*
46
Kaden Smith
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
While Briley Moore-McKinney’s production will be missed, there shouldn’t be a significant drop-off to Alex Ellis given their similar snap counts through the first two games. Ellis won’t stretch the field in the pass game, but he’s a trusted receiver and capable blocker. Moore-McKinney’s injury will press Kaden Smith into duty for the first time this season. D.C. has long snapper Trae Barry, who can double as a tight end, so they may not necessarily add depth here.
Wide Receivers
Week 1 (66 snaps)
Week 2 (64)
Week 3 (50)
Keke Coutee
51*
31
0 (I – Inj)
Brandon Smith
57*
51*
29*
Kelvin Harmon
59*
53*
44*
Chris Rowland
17
12
47*
Ty Scott
16
22
13
Vyncint Smith
0 (I – Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
21
Head coach Reggie Barlow talked up Brandon Smith as a potential #1 receiver prior to the regular season, but Smith has struggled so far, and his snap counts reflect that. The return of Vyncint Smith last weekend seemed to eat into Smith’s snaps more than anyone else’s. Chris Rowland has backed up Keke Coutee in the slot, so no surprise that Coutee’s missed game resulted in more offensive action for Rowland; it may have been surprising, though, that he led all D.C. receivers in snaps during week three. Ty Scott has performed well in limited opportunities.
Offensive Line
Week 1 (66 snaps)
Week 2 (64)
Week 3 (50)
Michael Maietti
66*
64*
50*
Liam Fornadel
66*
64*
50*
Yasir Durant
66*
64*
50*
D’Marcus Hayes
55*
63*
50*
Jean Delance
50*
0 (Waived)
N/A
Jahmir Ross-Johnson
27
63*
45*
Tommy Champion
0 (I – CD)
2
5
Lamont Gaillard
0
0
0
Jarrid Williams
N/A
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
The line has been a model of consistency, save for the right tackle spot. Jean Delance’s week one ejection resulted in his release. Jahmir Ross-Johnson, acquired in a trade from the Birmingham Stallions in early March, took over and seems to have settled in that spot. Tommy Champion has been promoted to swing tackle and has seen spot duty since then. Though able, it’s a good sign that interior OL Lamont Gaillard hasn’t been needed on offense yet.
Defensive Line
Week 1 (56 snaps)
Week 2 (58)
Week 3 (77)
Niles Scott
24*
23
36
Joseph Wallace
44*
36*
52*
T.J. Barnes
33
25*
40*
Dennis Johnson
0 (I – CD)
21
24
Malik Fisher
34
36*
48*
Trent Harris
31
34
44
T.J. Barnes took over as starter at nose tackle after one game of Niles Scott in that role, but the snap counts haven’t changed significantly despite that. Both are pretty much even there. It’s a similar situation with Trent Harris and Malik Fisher, with Harris backing up Fisher and the two ending up seeing similar playing time. Joe Wallace has been the most active lineman in terms of snaps.
Edge/Linebackers
Week 1 (56 snaps)
Week 2 (58)
Week 3 (77)
Davin Bellamy
30*
34*
39*
Andre Mintze
12* (Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
Anthony Hines
35*
47*
49*
Francis Bernard
30*
28*
47*
Reggie Northrup
19
6
16
Derick Roberson
28
27
36
Ferrod Gardner
17
24
28
Momo Sanogo
0 (I – CD)
5
10
Andre Mintze is working his way back from an injury suffered in week one. Will there be a starting spot for him when he does come back? The other three starters are all returnees from 2023, now in their second year in Gregg Williams’ defensive system. Anthony Hines has already started as many games as he did all of 2023. The Defenders spread the wealth here, as five linebackers played at least 25 snaps against Arlington last weekend.
Cornerbacks
Week 1 (56 snaps)
Week 2 (58)
Week 3 (77)
Anthoula Kelly
54*
32*
39*
Michael Joseph
55*
58*
71*
Isaiah Johnson
43*
0 (I – CD)
0
Deandre Baker
15
32
37
Gareon Conley
0 (I – Inj)
52*
77*
There are some players here with positional flexibility between the corner and safety spots, including Isaiah Johnson and Michael Joseph. Joseph, one of the best defensive players in the XFL last year with four interceptions and two returned for touchdowns, is seeking his first turnover in 2024. Gareon Conley was thrown right into the fire after sitting out game one with an injury. He’s seen more playing time than Deandre Baker, a fellow NFL first round draft pick.
Safeties
Week 1 (56 snaps)
Week 2 (58)
Week 3 (77)
Santos Ramirez
56*
49*
77*
D.J. Swearinger
56*
53*
77*
Deontay Anderson
0
16
0 (I – Inj)
Montae Nicholson
0
0 (I – Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
In the NFL, you’ll often see safeties and corners playing every snap in games. We haven’t seen that as much in the UFL through three weeks. One explanation could be the need for those players to also perform on special teams because of the smaller game day rosters. Therefore, they may need more relief on defense. That’s not the case for Santos Ramirez and D.J. Swearinger. They’ve been forced into more extensive duty because of injuries to Deontay Anderson and Montae Nicholson. We’ll see if they keep up this torrid pace when those two return.
San Antonio Brahmas
Quarterbacks
Week 1 (56 snaps)
Week 2 (55)
Week 3 (75)
Chase Garbers
55*
55*
75*
Quinten Dormady
0
0
0
Tom Flacco
0 (I – 3rd QB)
0 (I – 3rd QB)
0 (I – 3rd QB)
This chart would look a lot different if I was to do this again in another three weeks. Chase Garbers joined A.J. McCarron as the only QBs to have taken every snap at the position for their team through three weeks (the one snap discrepancy in week one is because the fake punt play is considered an offensive snap). The Brahmas have signed NFL veteran Kevin Hogan, who will likely slot in as the eventual backup to Quinten Dormady.
Running Backs
Week 1 (56 snaps)
Week 2 (55)
Week 3 (75)
Anthony McFarland, Jr.
23*
19*
29*
John Lovett
28
23
28
Brycen Alleyne
0
0
8
Despite his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, Anthony McFarland’s snaps have been somewhat limited. He’s been dinged up a bit, so that could be one reason. Former Vegas Viper John Lovett has split snaps pretty evenly with McFarland so far. Bryce Alleyne, who was with offensive coordinator A.J. Smith in Houston last year, has been active every game for special teams duties but only saw offensive snaps for the first time on Sunday.
Tight Ends
Week 1 (56 snaps)
Week 2 (55)
Week 3 (75)
Cody Latimer
35*
52*
62*
Alize Mack
25
12
16
Cody Latimer is more of a slot receiver than a true tight end in this offense. Nevertheless, he’s managed to carve out a tremendous amount of playing time, no matter what position you want to consider him. Alize Mack is more of a short-yardage option, limiting his snaps somewhat. This despite his 28 catches on an offensively-limited Brahmas team last year. San Antonio is one of two teams in the league to carry just two tight ends on its roster.
Wide Receivers
Week 1 (56 snaps)
Week 2 (55)
Week 3 (75)
Jontre Kirklin
54*
55*
74*
Justin Smith
55*
55*
70*
Marquez Stevenson
48*
52*
66*
Landen Akers
7
6
0 (I – Inj)
T.J. Vasher
1
1
0 (Waived)
K.D. Cannon
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
6
Calvin Turner
N/A
N/A
16
Matt Landers
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
0 (Waived)
The Brahmas have churned the bottom of their wide receiver depth chart recently, waiving T.J. Vasher and Matt Landers, and bringing back Calvin Turner, who was a surprise cut in training camp. Turner stepped right in as the fourth receiver last Sunday. There is a very clear snap count delineation between the top three receivers and the rest. In fact, only 37 receiver snaps have gone to players not named Kirklin, Smith, or Stevenson through the first three games. Kirklin has been an iron man, missing just three total snaps in that span.
Offensive Line
Week 1 (56 snaps)
Week 2 (55)
Week 3 (75)
Alex Mollette
56*
10* (Inj)
0 (IR)
Kohl Levao
55*
55*
75*
Derrick Kelly II
39* (Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
75*
Greg Eiland
56*
55*
28* (Inj)
Aaron Monteiro
56*
17*
0
Chuck Filiaga
17
55*
47
Sam Tecklenburg
1
45
75*
Rashaad Coward
0 (I – CD)
38
75*
Alex Pihlstrom
N/A
N/A
0 (I – CD)
San Antonio has yet to start the same five linemen more than once this season. Eight linemen have already drawn starts so far. Chuck Filiaga has saved the day, coming in for an injured Derrick Kelly at left tackle in game one, then starting for him in game two. In the third game, he relieved Greg Eiland at right tackle. Eiland was placed on IR this week, joining fellow starter C Alex Mollette there. It’s a different year and different coaching staff in San Antonio, yet like last year, they can’t seem to shake the O-Line injuries.
Defensive Line
Week 1 (66 snaps)
Week 2 (74)
Week 3 (52)
Caeveon Patton
31*
41*
28*
Prince Emili
38*
0 (I – CD)
33*
Jalen Dalton
36
43
29
Taron Vincent
31
42*
24
Jacob Sykes
0 (I – CD)
33
18
The case of Prince Emili is one of those that shows just how much teams are continuing to tinker with their lineups. He went from a starter in game one, to inactive in game two, back to starting in game three. It’s possible some teams are extending training camp competitions to the early parts of the regular season. Jacob Sykes made some plays in the most recent game. That could signal increased playing time for him down the line.
Edge/Linebackers
Week 1 (66 snaps)
Week 2 (74)
Week 3 (52)
Tavante Beckett
48*
57*
42*
Delontae Scott
35*
4* (Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
Wyatt Ray
33*
53*
33*
Jordan Williams
54*
61*
44*
Tim Ward
34
51
20
Garrett Nelson
30
40
0 (I – CD)
Nate Wieland
12
0 (IR)
0
Joel Iyiegbuniwe
8
11
4
Robert Barnes
0
10
1
Jamir Jones
0 (I – Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
32*
Kelechi Anyalebechi
0
0
0
Zach McCloud
0 (I – Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
San Antonio’s linebackers have also been struck by injuries; luckily, they seem to have hundreds of them on the roster. Notably, Jamir Jones returned on Sunday after missing the first two games of the season and was immediately inserted into the starting lineup (though Delontae Scott’s absence may have played a part in that). Zach McCloud seems to be nearing a return and it will be interesting to see where he fits in. I expected to see Tavante Beckett and Jordan Williams playing more snaps than they have; with the size of this group, they’re utilizing many of them on defense.
Cornerbacks
Week 1 (66 snaps)
Week 2 (74)
Week 3 (52)
Darius Phillips
56*
74*
52*
Teez Tabor
65*
67*
37*
Bryce Thompson
48*
61*
0 (I – Inj)
Corey Mayfield, Jr.
25
9
42*
BoPete Keyes
0 (I – Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
15
Cameron Dantzler
N/A
N/A
0 (I – CD)
In addition to getting Jamir Jones back from injury, the game against St. Louis saw the season debut of BoPete Keyes. He was eased into action much more slowly than Jones. He seemed to take snaps from Teez Tabor in week three. The Battlehawks’ pass game may have found success in part because starting CB Bryce Thompson was down due to a foot ailment suffered during practice. Cam Dantzler, a former NFL third-round draft pick, was recently signed but is now on the team’s suspended list.
Safeties
Week 1 (66 snaps)
Week 2 (74)
Week 3 (52)
A.J. Hendy
64*
69*
52*
Jordan Mosley
66*
74*
52*
Scott Nelson
12
14
13
San Antonio has rostered just three safeties. Probably needed the roster spot for another linebacker. Because of this, their two starters have soaked up nearly every snap at the position in the defensive backfield. On the rare occasion San Antonio goes with three safeties, Scott Nelson has been called upon to provide that service.
St. Louis Battlehawks
Quarterbacks
Week 1 (64 snaps)
Week 2 (57)
Week 3 (52)
A.J. McCarron
64*
57*
52*
Manny Wilkins
0
0
0
Brandon Silvers
0 (I – 3rd QB)
0 (I – 3rd QB)
0 (I – 3rd QB)
While other teams juggle multiple quarterbacks coming in and out of games, A.J. McCarron has yet to give head coach Anthony Becht a reason to try to shoe-horn another QB into the game. Manny Wilkins has been active as the backup over veteran Brandon Silvers, a somewhat surprising turn of events. Wilkins was with St. Louis last year, so he has more experience in the system.
Running Backs
Week 1 (64 snaps)
Week 2 (57)
Week 3 (52)
Wayne Gallman
37*
18
0 (I – CD)
Jacob Saylors
22
0 (I – CD)
19
Mataeo Durant
0 (I – CD)
33*
31*
It’s been a constant competition for playing time at the running back position during practices between games. All three backs have been healthy scratches through the first three weeks, but the depth chart seems to be shaking out in Mataeo Durant’s favor. He didn’t have quite the follow-up in week three that was expected coming off a 100-yard rushing performance in week two, but Jacob Saylors picked up the slack. Wayne Gallman, the game one starter, may be the odd man out.
Tight Ends
Week 1 (64 snaps)
Week 2 (57)
Week 3 (52)
Kemari Averett
22*
24*
20
Jake Sutherland
20
21
26*
Some may be surprised to realize that Kemari Averett has started more games than Jake Sutherland, and has also had two games where he’s played more snaps than Sutherland. Becht, a former TE himself, praised Averett during camp. There’s some untapped potential here in the pass game, something that may be unlocked the more comfortable Averett gets. This is his first pro season.
Wide Receivers
Week 1 (64 snaps)
Week 2 (57)
Week 3 (52)
Marcell Ateman
54*
48*
38*
Darrius Shepherd
60*
53*
50*
Hakeem Butler
58*
52*
50*
Blake Jackson
32
13
12
Ja’Marcus Bradley
15
23
14
Jerome Kapp
0
0
0
Jeff Thomas
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
In addition to his duties in the return game, Darrius Shepherd has also paced the Battlehawks’ to t receivers in offensive snaps. Ja’Marcus Bradley hasn’t quite made the impact expected when he agreed to terms with the team after being their second round selection in the skill position phase of the 2022 XFL Draft. Jerome Kapp is a deep sleeper. Jeff Thomas was released this week to make room for the returning Jahcour Pearson. Pearson’s emergence should take some of the load off of Shepherd and could mean even fewer snaps for Blake Jackson.
Offensive Line
Week 1 (64 snaps)
Week 2 (57)
Week 3 (52)
Mike Panasiuk
64*
57*
52*
Vadal Alexander
64*
57*
48*
Jaryd Jones-Smith
64*
57*
52*
Steven Gonzalez
64*
57*
52*
Juwann Bushell-Beatty
64*
57*
52*
Dohnovan West
0
0
4
Eric Magwood
0
0
0
Teton Saltes
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD
Abdul Beecham
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
0 (I – CD)
St. Louis was the only team in the XFL last year to have all five offensive linemen start every game. Not only that, but all five linemen return to their starting roles in 2024 and are on their way to qualifying for that mark once again. The Battlehawks are incredibly lucky to have that level of consistency. Only four snaps have been played by a reserve. None of the players above appear on the injury report for week four, so expect a fourth week of the same starting five once again.
Defensive Line
Week 1 (51 snaps)
Week 2 (62)
Week 3 (75)
Freedom Akinmoladun
31*
40*
0 (I – Inj)
Austin Faoliu
27*
40*
11* (Inj)
Kobe Smith
0 (I – CD)
32*
51*
Antwuan Jackson
21
23
34
T.J. Pesefea
13
5
28
Kobe Smith was a curious healthy inactive in week one, but he’s come back and started the next two games. Austin Faoliu was injured against San Antonio and is unlikely to play this weekend, meaning more snaps for Antwuan Jackson and T.J. Pesefea. Freedom Akinmoladun is expected to return to action, so he’ll help fill Faoliu’s void, too.
Edge/Linebackers
Week 1 (51 snaps)
Week 2 (62)
Week 3 (75)
Mike Rose
31*
0 (I – Inj)
0 (I – Inj)
Travis Feeney
41*
57*
59*
Willie Harvey, Jr.
42*
61*
75*
Pita Taumoepenu
42*
57*
70*
Lakiem Williams
27
35*
37*
Carson Wells
20
10
34
Elorm Lumor
9
0 (Waived)
0
Callahan O’Reilly
0 (I – CD)
28
38
It’s been fun to watch Callahan O’Reilly come out of nowhere. Claimed by the Battlehawks as a rookie last August, O’Reilly beat the odds and made the 51-man roster out of training camp. He was predictably inactive in week one, but an injury to Mike Rose opened up a spot for him. He played well and saw his snaps increase from week two to week three. He seemed to share time with Lakiem Williams in filling in for Rose. Willie Harvey, Jr. has been the leader of this group, playing all 75 snaps against the Brahmas.
Cornerbacks
Week 1 (51 snaps)
Week 2 (62)
Week 3 (75)
Lavert Hill
40*
45
64*
Brandon Sebastian
37*
50*
19*
Chris Payton-Jones
38*
53*
75*
Channing Stribling
13
21
0
Tim Harris
14
0 (I – CD)
56
Channing Stribling went from All-USFL in 2022 to getting released in training camp this year. He was quickly scooped up by St. Louis, but has only seen limited action on defense. Tim Harris has had a whirlwind three weeks, from just 14 snaps in week one to sitting out week two to playing 56 snaps in week three. Brandon Sebastian’s week three drop in snaps is noticeable.
Safeties
Week 1 (51 snaps)
Week 2 (62)
Week 3 (75)
Qwynnterrio Cole
34*
41*
41*
Ben DeLuca
28*
42*
25* (Inj)
Dravon Askew-Henry
27
21
56
Kameron Kelly
26
21
50
All four safeties have garnered ample defensive playing time. Kelly can also play corner, which is where some of his playing time has come. Will St. Louis continue rotating their safeties throughout the year? Or are they waiting for a pair to take the bull by the horns and demand more time with their play? Either way, knowing they have four starting-caliber safeties should make defensive coordinator Donnie Abraham feel comfortable with any combination that is thrown out there.
