According to a report from Tampa Bay Times reporter Mari Faiello, QB Taylor Cornelius was officially named starter for the teams week for game at home against the DC Defenders.

#Vipers Cornelius said it’s nice to get the start this weekend. “It shows that coach Trestman has confidence in me,” he said. Cornelius added he likes having the full week of preparation ahead of him. — Mari Faiello (@faiello_mari) February 26, 2020

On another front, QB Aaron Murray was back on the field today taking reps with the first team offense, but the team ultimately decided to give Cornelius another week of starting duty.

#Vipers Murray said it felt good being out there today and said as much as he’s been working to get his strength back up in his foot, it’s still a tricky process adjusting to “unplanned” movements. — Mari Faiello (@faiello_mari) February 26, 2020

The plan this weekend will be for Murray to be the dedicated backup for the Vipers.

#Vipers Murray said he takes this weekend’s backup role as a way for him to continue to progress. “Taylor’s playing well and I think he did a great job last weekend.” — Mari Faiello (@faiello_mari) February 26, 2020

On a separate front, it was also made public today that quarterback Quinton Flowers has stepped away and taken a leave from the team for what was described as “personal reasons”.

#Vipers coach Marc Trestman said he hopes #USF’s Flowers will return to practice and the squad soon but isn’t here for personal reasons. Cornelius will get the nod for the start this weekend. — Mari Faiello (@faiello_mari) February 26, 2020

Flowers is largely looked at as a leader in Tampa Bay’s locker room. He’s also a favorite of the home crowd. However this isn’t the first time Flowers has stepped away from the team, having done so during training camp, again, for reasons unspecified.

#Vipers Cornelius said he wasn’t focused on the boos from the crowd on Saturday. “Quinton’s a hometown guy and they love him to death,” he said. — Mari Faiello (@faiello_mari) February 26, 2020

As soon as Flowers status changes, XFL News Hub will have it.