Battlehawks quarterback Manny Wilkins scrambles in a game against DC on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in the Dome at America’s Center. He was intercepted three times and lost a fumble in his team’s 27-15 loss.
Battlehawks quarterback Manny Wilkins is out for the remainder of the United Football League season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in his right leg early in Saturday’s loss at Arlington.
The gruesome injury came on the fourth play from scrimmage. Wilkins’ right leg collapsed as he tried to cut on an apparent quarterback draw up the middle. He fell untouched to the ground.
The leg was immobilized, and he was carted off the field at Choctaw Stadium.
“A very traumatic injury; I’m just really sick for him,†St. Louis coach Anthony Becht said. “Praying for a quick recovery, healthy comeback for him.â€
Wilkins completed 45 of 69 passes for 498 yards over the first three games. His 12-for-16 effort in a 26-9 win over San Antonio in Week 2 earned him UFL player of the week honors.
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The 29-year-old, who spent time with the Green Bay Packers, spoke with former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Sunday. Rodgers has been through a similar situation and was able to provide some insight on the recovered process.
The injury could be career threatening for Wilkins given his age.
The former Arizona State standout is the leader of a band called 5ive, and he spoke numerous times about a possible future in music.
Max Duggan will take over the reins for the Battlehawks (2-2).
The Texas Christian University product appeared shaky at times in the 30-15 loss at Arlington. He finished 8 of 17 passing for 78 yards and threw a pair of costly interceptions.
Duggan guided the team back from a 16-3 deficit and had the Battlehawks in position to win the contest.
Trailing 22-15, Duggan drove the offense inside the Arlington 5-yard line. But a fourth-down toss popped out of the hands of wide receiver Gary Jennings and into the hands of defensive back Ajene Harris, who rambled 100 yards for the clinching score with 15 seconds remaining.
“He put the ball right in Gary’s hands, to win the game, or try and attempt to tie or take the lead, and we didn’t make the play for him,†Becht said.
Duggan and Wilkins were battling head to head for the starting job in the preseason. Wilkins was so sharp in a season-opening 31-6 win at Houston that Duggan never got the opportunity to run the offense on a regular basis.
The 6-foot-1, 207-pound Duggan was disappointed in his performance against Arlington.
“It was a rough day,†Duggan said. “I didn’t play well enough.â€
Becht expects Duggan to bounce back Saturday.
“This is Max’s show right now; he has full reign,†Becht said. “I am 110% confident that he will play better with a full week of practice and preparation.â€
Battlehawks wide receiver Hakeem Butler, right, celebrates after making a touchdown reception against the Defenders on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Audi Field in Washington.
Hakeem Butler set to return
Wide receiver Hakeem Butler has been cleared to play in Saturday’s home contest against Michigan.
Butler was slowed by a hamstring injury that he aggravated in the season opener.
“Hakeem is back so prepare for it,†Becht said. “He’s a force to be reckoned with. He’s a great leader for us. We’ve been playing the extra cautious card with him because we wanted him for the (long) run.â€
Butler led the league with 652 receiving yards last season and was selected as the UFL offensive player of the year.
The 6-foot-6, 220- pounder signed with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals last season but was waived in late August.
The Battlehawks, who committed nine turnovers during the two-game losing streak, will be looking to bounce back against the Panthers (3-1).
