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DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Monsters are adding reinforcements as they prepare for one of their most important games of the Arena Football One season.
The Monsters (5-3) announced four roster additions Tuesday, including veteran linebacker Trevon Shorts and wide receiver Jarvai Flowers, who was claimed off waivers from the Michigan Arsenal ahead of Minnesota's home matchup against Michigan (3-6) on Monday night at Amsoil Arena.
Minnesota enters the week looking to strengthen its playoff position while preparing for an Arsenal team that handed the previously unbeaten Albany Firebirds their first loss of the season last weekend.
The most notable addition may be Shorts, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker from Fairmont State who brings an extensive arena football résumé. Shorts won championships with the Albany Empire and earned National Arena League Ironman of the Year honors in 2023. His versatility at linebacker, fullback and special teams gives Minnesota additional depth on both sides of the ball.
The Monsters also added wide receivers Brian Robinson of Southwestern Oklahoma State and Andre Williams of Dean College.
Williams arrives with previous indoor football experience and adds size to Minnesota's receiving corps at 6-foot-1 and 219 pounds. Robinson, a former big-play receiver at Southwestern Oklahoma State, provides additional speed and depth at a position that has become increasingly important as teams navigate injuries and roster turnover late in the season.
Flowers could have the most immediate impact offensively.
The 6-foot receiver spent part of the season with Michigan and is already familiar with AF1 competition. His knowledge of arena football concepts and league opponents could prove valuable as Minnesota prepares to face his former team.
The moves reflect an aggressive approach by the Monsters as the regular season enters its final stretch. Rather than standing pat, Minnesota has continued to reshape its roster in pursuit of a postseason berth.
The additions come as the Monsters prepare for a Michigan team that has become one of the league's most dangerous opponents despite its record.
Michigan quarterback Malik Henry leads one of the AF1's most explosive offenses and was instrumental in last week's stunning victory over Albany, ending the Firebirds' 20-game winning streak spanning two seasons. Henry has developed into one of the league's top passers, while the Arsenal have proven capable of competing with the AF1's elite teams.
Minnesota has already defeated Michigan twice this season, including a 46-25 victory on April 25 and a 31-28 overtime win on May 9. Both games, however, were played before the Arsenal found their footing offensively.
