Week 12 was not only an exciting time for NFL fans but fans of Spring Football in general. With multiple USFL players getting elevated the first Michigan Panther finally earned an opportunity this past week. D.J. Montgomery the Panthers reserve WR was elevated for the Colts making his debut appearing in 12 snaps for Indy in their victory this past week.
Montgomery was a late season signing for Michigan not appearing in any games for the Panthers until their playoff game. Prior to his time in the USFL, Montgomery bounced around with the Jets, Colts, and Browns since 2019. This past weekend Montgomery appeared on 3 Offensive Plays and 9 Special Teams plays for Indy during their win over the Tampa Bay Bucs.
In other Panthers news Levi Bell was place on Practice Squad Injured Reserve this week. While it appeared that Bell may have heading towards an opportunity due to an ineffective Frank Clark, Bell will have to wait a little longer for his shot at the NFL. Bell was a 2023 Draft Pick for Michigan and would join the team mid-season providing a dynamic pass rushing duo with Breeland Speaks for the Panthers.
Bell and Montgomery were Two of Eleven Panthers to earn an opportunity in 2023 at the NFL level. So far Six of those players have spent time on Practice Squads with Montgomery being the first to play in an NFL game. In 2023 42 players from the USFL earned an opportunity with the NFL, giving the USFL over 100 players since they’ve returned in 2022.
