Roster moves: Mercenaries get reshaped - Galaxy without Platzgummer
Cara Iden
© Noa MonnFranchises across the Elf are busy reshaping their squads for the crucial stage of the season. Let’s dive into the latest changes the teams executed this week:
North Division
Rhein Fire
Rhein Fire will be without wide receiver Rory Starkey Jr. for at least three games. The American has been placed on injured reserve. The offensive weapon, who joined Rhein Fire in spring 2025, has recorded 23 receptions, 226 receiving yards, and two touchdowns so far this season.
A replacement has already been secured. Rhein Fire has signed American wide receiver Mark Pope, who previously played for the University of Massachusetts.
There’s also a position-specific change on the defensive side of the ball. Rhein Fire has parted ways with A-import Darrius Nash, who had been with the reigning champions since last season. In his place, defensive back Chauncey Moore has been brought in. The 25-year-old American played college football at Alabama State University and can line up as both safety and cornerback.
East Division
Wroclaw Panthers
The Wroclaw Panthers have signed a new defensive back in young American Paul Lewis III. The 23-year-old cornerback from Baltimore, Maryland, most recently played for the University of Akron in Ohio and has signed a contract through the end of September. Lewis III. is expected to fill the gap left by the release of defensive back Devan Burrell. Burrell joined the Wroclaw Panthers in 2024 after previous stints with Leipzig and Milan in the ELF. He will now play for the newly formed Swiss team.
Prague Lions
The Prague Lions have released Brazilian offensive tackle Lucas Soares da Silva.
Vienna Vikings
The Vienna Vikings have placed their Finnish defensive back Elmeri Laalo on injured reserve. In return, Finnish running back Karri Pajarinen, who had missed the past weeks due to injury, is activated from injured reserve and is back with the team.
South Division
Helvetic Mercenaries
Following a streak of five winless games, the Helvetic Mercenaries’ management has launched a shake-up. After the departure of former head coach Marcus Herford, Joshua Fitzgerald has officially taken over as head coach.
This restructuring also involves the release of quarterback Isaiah Weed, running back Tyrrell Bovelle, wide receiver Milan Spiller, defensive end DeMarco Artis, as well as offensive linemen Otavio Amorim, Aleksi Närhi, and Sampo Leppänen.
In addition to these releases, defensive back Joc Crawford has been placed on injured reserve.
Alongside the hiring of a new American head coach, three familiar faces from the ELF have been signed. First of all, free safety Darrius Nash has joined the Helvetic Mercenaries after parting ways with Rhein Fire. The 25-year-old American defensive back has already played six games this season, collecting 27 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 2 pass deflections. In addition, defensive back Sarrow Drammeh from Stuttgart has been signed, as well as defensive back Devan Burrell, who has played six games for the Wroclaw Panthers this season, collecting 22 tackles, 2 tackle for loss, and 1 sack.
Munich Ravens
The Munich Ravens have announced both a departure and a new signing. They have parted ways with Australian wide receiver Ben Heath. The 20-year-old had been signed shortly before the start of the current season. The Ravens have strengthened their roster by signing French defensive back Jumilson Moreira Ferreira, who has also played as a wide receiver before.
Raiders Tirol
The Raiders Tirol have signed running back Tyrrell Bovelle. Bovelle has already played for the Helvetic Mercenaries this season, rushing for 271 yards and scoring two touchdowns in four games.
West Division
Frankfurt Galaxy
Frankfurt Galaxy will be without running back Sandro Platzgummer for at least three games. The Austrian has been placed on injured reserve. Platzgummer currently ranks third in the rushing statistics with 482 yards and three touchdowns, behind Chrisman Kyei of the Hamburg Sea Devils and Lukas Haslwanter of the Raiders Tirol, both of whom have played one more game. After three consecutive winless games, they have now lost one of their key offensive players.
Galaxy has signed the 20-year-old German tight end Dominik Tietz, who played for the Leipzig Hawks from 2018 to 2023 and attended the NFL Academy from 2023 to 2025.
Paris Musketeers
The Paris Musketeers have parted ways with two players. Defensive back Kevin Fortes is no longer under contract. Additionally, the Musketeers have announced the release of tight end Daniel Marshall.
Stuttgart Surge
Stuttgart Surge have released homegrown defensive back Sarrow Drammeh, who had been with the team since 2024. Drammeh will continue his career with the Helvetic Mercenaries in Switzerland.