Battlehawks Add QB Brandon Silvers, Lose Manny Wilkins to Injury
Brandon Silvers is back with the St. Louis Battlehawks. As the team was in need of a quarterback fast, it makes sense that Silvers, a seasoned spring football QB, has returned to St. Louis.
News: The St. Louis Battlehawks have re-signed QB Brandon Silvers.
Silvers is a spring vet, having led the @XFLRoughnecks to the playoffs in 2023.
Was QB3 for the @XFLBattlehawks in 2024. With Manny Wilkins to IR, Silvers returns. #UFL pic.twitter.com/okny39bcmI
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 22, 2025
Silvers is no stranger to the spring football circuit. He started with the AAF, where he played as a backup for the Memphis Express before stepping in as the starter, racking up four touchdowns and 799 yards. In 2020, he joined the XFL, where he started four games for the Seattle Dragons. Though wins were sparse, Silvers threw the first-ever touchdown in XFL history.
Later, he played for the Conquerors in The Spring League (TSL) in 2021, where he had a standout year, throwing for 685 yards and 9 touchdowns with just one interception. His performance helped him land a starting role with the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks in 2023. Under offensive coordinator A.J. Smith, Silvers thrived, passing for 1,551 yards and 13 touchdowns in eight games, despite nine interceptions.
After the Roughnecks’ season ended due to the merger, Silvers didn’t have a team but was eventually picked up by the Battlehawks. He spent last season as a backup to A.J. McCarron but did get some playing time when McCarron was injured. Now, with Manny Wilkins out, Silvers is back as the Battlehawks’ QB.
Manny Wilkins Heads to IR
Unfortunately for St. Louis, Manny Wilkins is out for the season. After suffering a torn Achilles in the first drive against Arlington in week four, Wilkins will undergo surgery. This marks a disappointing end to what had been an up-and-down season for him. He had a standout performance in Week 2, earning Offensive Player of the Week honors and leading the Battlehawks to a 2-0 start. However, Week 3 saw him struggle, turning the ball over four times in a loss to DC.
.@XFLBattlehawks QB Manny Wilkins is carted off the field after an apparent leg injury. pic.twitter.com/fEuj3b49ns
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 19, 2025
Wilkins had thrown for 498 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, while also rushing for 136 yards and two scores. His mobility and ability to extend plays were valuable assets to the Battlehawks, and his absence will certainly be felt.
In the meantime, Max Duggan will take over as the starting quarterback for the Battlehawks. Head coach Anthony Becht has confidence in Duggan, but it remains to be seen whether he can help the team contend for a championship.
Wilkins was unstoppable tonight! 😮💨@XFLBattlehawks pic.twitter.com/ktz2fCJyZn
— UFLonFOX (@UFLonFOX) March 29, 2025
What do you think about Silvers’ return to St. Louis? Was Wilkins the right choice at QB for the Battlehawks? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the discussion on Discord!
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