The Houston Roughnecks continue to make moves in UFL training camp. DE Isaiah Chambers has returned, and DE Carlo Kemp was claimed off of waivers from Birmingham, as the team strengthens their defense even further with this latest batch of signings.
Some movement around the #UFL tonight:@XFLRoughnecks: Re-Signed LB Isaiah Chambers, claimed DE Carlo Kemp via Waivers@USFLStallions: Claimed WR Isaiah Zuber via Waivers
Quite possibly the most shocking part is Stallions LB Chris Orr being placed on the retired list. Wow. pic.twitter.com/jqeWaQRAzp
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 14, 2024
DE/LB Isaiah Chambers
Some major news for the Roughnecks is the return of Isaiah Chambers. Isaiah had been released during cut downs this weekend, which was a surprising move given his success last year with Curtis Johnson’s Gamblers.
DOUBLE T R O U B L E 😈@17sackmangt x @esta_guapo pic.twitter.com/K5IRuS1Mf5
— Houston Gamblers (@USFLGamblers) June 6, 2023
Chambers posted 24 tackles, with 11 of those being TFL’s, which led the USFL last year. Chambers is a stout defender who was a starter in 2023. While there isn’t any guarantee of him making the 50 man roster, his quick return is a good indicator that the organization wants him this season.
DE Carlo Kemp
Carlo Kemp is no stranger to spring football. He played in the USFL during the 2022 season, and was a standout edge rusher for the Pittsburgh Maulers. While the Maulers struggled with a 1-9 record, Kemp was fantastic, finishing with 51 tackles, five TFL, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
🚫 BLOCKED 🚫
Carlo Kemp knows how to #DropTheHammer 🔨
📺: @USA_Network pic.twitter.com/dawj2Agccd
— Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) May 1, 2022
This led to Kemp signing with the Los Angeles Chargers, and sticking on their practice squad for over a year. After becoming a free agent last fall, Kemp decided to team up with Zach Potter and the Birmingham Stallions for the 2024 season.
Interestingly enough, Birmingham decided to let him walk, which allows for Kemp to now land with the Houston Roughnecks. This defensive line is stacked as is, already featuring the likes of Toby Johnson, Adam Rodriguez, Chris Odom, Olive Sagapolu, and Keonte Schad just to name a few.
Final Thoughts
It’s unfortunate to see Isaiah Zuber go – although he has found a new home with Birmingham – given his impact for the Houston Gamblers the last two USFL seasons. Zuber has been a big part of this team since 2022, but now will look to retain a roster spot with the Stallions.
General Manager Lionel Vital has not been afraid to make moves to ensure that this team is as good as can be before the season begins. Just yesterday, they brought back DB Jeremiah Johnson.
For a full recap of their cuts from Sunday, click here.
What are your thoughts on Isaiah Chambers returning to Houston? Will Carlo Kemp make a difference this late in training camp? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
