On the first day of the 2023 training camp, a few key players for the Tiger-Cats were absent from the practice field. Kicker Seth Small and defensive lineman Ja’Gared Davis were both listed as suspended for failing to report to training camp. Today, Hamilton added Davis to the active roster, and he joined the Tiger-Cats on Day 3 of training camp.
After practice, Davis described how returning to the field with the Tiger-Cats felt. He said, “It feels like home; I feel like I am back where I feel wanted.” Head coach Orlondo Steinauer mentioned after practice that the absence of Davis does not change his attitude toward the impact that Davis will have on the Tiger-Cats defensive line. Steinauer said, “He is here for a reason; his personality is infectious.” The presence of Davis should improve Hamilton’s ability to stop the run and pressure quarterbacks.
Wide receiver Duke Williams is another celebrated free agent acquisition absent from the practice field. The message from the Tiger-Cats is that Williams needed to get a procedure done to ensure he is at his best coming into the season. When asked about Williams, Orlondo Steinauer said, “We have a plan for his return, and he will be back (right) on schedule.”
Training camp practices are giving the Tiger-Cats a chance to build chemistry with their returning veterans and integration of new players. There is also the player evaluation aspect of training camp, and Hamilton continues building up roster depth. Another part of the practice is getting work done while avoiding injuries to key players on the roster.
Running back Sean Thomas-Erlington missed practice today with an injury, but Steinauer mentioned they are holding him out to avoid creating a more significant injury situation. As Hamilton continues practicing and preparing for pre-season games, the balance of building roster depth, evaluating players, and minimizing injuries are an essential recipe for success heading into the 2023 season.
Released and Retired
National offensive lineman Mahry Mojtaba was a recent addition to the Tiger-Cats roster. However, his stay with Hamilton was short-lived, as Hamilton has now released him. The release of the 6’5″, 300-pound player from the University of Toronto shows that the Tiger-Cats have confidence in their current group of offensive linemen.
Another recently signed player has decided to retire from the CFL. The national defensive linemen from Vernon, British Columbia, played U Sports football at the University of Calgary.
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