Blaze make trade for Dallas DB

Just an hour before today's Arena Football League trade deadline, the Utah Blaze made a minor deal, sending future considerations to the Dallas Desperados for second-year defensive back Jacoby Shepherd. Utah plays the Desperados at EnergySolutions Arena on Friday, but coach Danny White said the trade had nothing to do with the upcoming game. He said Shepherd likely won't play until next week's game at Kansas City. Shepherd's addition means the Blaze will have to release a player to stay under the 24-man roster limit. However, White said he won't decide who that will be until Friday. Shepherd, 27, an Oklahoma State product, has appeared in only two games this season for Dallas, making 6.5 tackles. The Blaze, 5-4, had their longest practice of the season on Wednesday, paying special attention to kickoff return coverage and two-minute offense drills.