When the Tiger-Cats faced the Montreal Alouettes in their second pre-season game of 2023, the 22 to 25 loss was not the most important outcome. The second pre-season game represented the final opportunity for many young Tiger-Cats to make the regular season roster for the 2023 season. For those young players, the most critical result of training camp was the list of players that the Tiger-Cats coaching staff needed to release after making their evaluations.
Twenty-one young players have been evaluated and released from the Tiger-Cats roster. Another twelve have made the team and added to the practice squad roster. Before reviewing those players cut from the roster, it is essential to note that both quarterbacks Matt Shiltz and Taylor Powell made the roster. Also, the Tiger-Cats have listed injured wide receiver Justin McGriff as suspended, which allows the Tiger-Cats to maintain the rights to the player even though he most likely will not be able to play during the 2023 season.
Let’s review the list of players no longer on the Tiger-Cats roster and those added to the practice squad roster.
Players Released By The Tiger-Cats
N-Ben Koczwara, A-Jordan Boatman, and A-Moses Johnson are from the Tiger-Cats offensive line. The Tiger-Cats released four American wide receivers, Calvin Johnson Jr., Jon’Vea Johnson, Khalil Lewis, and CFL veteran Papi White. The Tiger-Cats have also released two running backs, N-Keon Edwards and A-Trey Ragas.
On the defensive line, the Tiger-Cats have released A-Ellison Hubbard and A-TJ Johnson. Hamilton has also released three linebackers, N-Jared Beeksma, N-Dyton Blackett, and A-Carlton Martial. In addition, Hamilton has also released five American defensive backs, Tony Collier, Roger Cray Jr., Cortez Davis, Tyrone Hill Jr., and Caesar Williams.
The Tiger-Cats also released both kickers on their pre-season roster. Those kickers are A-Jonathan Garibay and A-Ethan Ratke. Removing both kickers leaves the door open for Seth Small to return to the Tiger-Cats heading into the regular season.
Players Added To The Practice Squad Roster
Three players on offence have made the Tiger-Cats practice squad roster. Those players are American offensive lineman Kendrick Sartor, American wide receiver Lio’Undre Gallimore, and American running back Tayon Fleet-Davis. Gallimore succeeded as a punt returner, but his addition to the practice roster most likely allows defensive back Lawrence Woods III to resume punt return duties.
On defence, the Tiger-Cats added three defensive linemen and five defensive backs to the practice squad. Those defensive linemen are National Reece Martin, American-Nyles Pinckney, and Global lineman Chris Mulumba. National Patrick Burke Jr., National Robert Panabaker, American Will Sunderland, American-Carthell Flowers-Lloyd, and American Dexter Lawson are the five defensive backs.
Global punter Blake Hayes has also made the Tiger-Cats practice squad roster.
Focus Now Shifts To The Blue Bombers
With player evaluations and roster cuts finalized, the Tiger-Cat’s attention now shifts to focusing on winning regular season games. The Tiger-Cats will face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the first week of the regular season. The Tiger-Cat’s road toward the 2023 Grey Cup championship starts this week.
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