Houston Roughnecks Slim Secondary, Release Two Defensive Backs
Change is inevitable during this time of the year as UFL teams prepare for first roster cutdowns. The Houston Roughnecks got a head start on Tuesday, releasing defensive backs Richard Bowens III and Elijah Rodgers.
Bowens signed with the then-Houston Gamblers in the USFL back in August after not being selected in the NFL Draft. He attended Iowa State his first three years in college before finishing up at Central Michigan. In 14 games with the Chippewas, he made 28 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, six pass deflections and one interception.
Rodgers, another defensive back the Gamblers signed during the offseason, played at Indiana and Gardner-Webb before walking on at Clemson. He ultimately appeared in six games with for the Tigers.
Houston currently has four cornerbacks and two defensive backs listed on the active roster. Bowens and Rodgers were listed as cornerbacks, so the competition for starting jobs could be resolved sooner with fewer players at that position — unless the team brings in additional players before the season.
First cutdowns of UFL rosters have to be completed before Sunday, with roster sizes dropping from 75 to 58.
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