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While the Hamilton Tiger-Cats started the 2026 pre-season schedule with a 20-10 loss to the Toronto Argonauts, the real value of the game was the opportunity it provided for head coach Scott Milanovich and his staff to evaluate their roster. Starting quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell completed all 3 of his pass attempts for a total of 40 yards. Backup quarterback Tre Ford went 2 for 7 passing for 18 yards, and third-string quarterback Jake Dolegala completed 1 of 5 passes for 7 yards. In addition, the Tiger-Cats ran the ball 23 times for 115 yards offensively, and defensively, Hamilton was sound, making Toronto work for every yard they gained.
Following this evaluation, several players' time with the Tiger-Cats came to an end, as the team released American wide receiver/kick returner Mario Alford, defensive back Gavin Gibson, and running back Shane Watts. Additionally, linebacker Ryan Meed retired from professional football.
Among these moves, the most surprising release by Hamilton was Alford, who scored the Tiger-Cats' only touchdown Saturday with a 111-yard kickoff return after the Argonauts missed a field goal. However, Alford was released because the Tiger-Cats had the chance to bring back kick returner Isaiah Wooden. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Wooden’s re-signing with a press release at the start of the final training camp week.
Wooden left the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in January 2026 to pursue an NFL opportunity with the Cleveland Browns but was released after mini-camp earlier this month. Previously, the 5'10", 170-pounder spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL, as well as the BC Lions in the CFL. Over the past two seasons, he primarily served as a kick and punt returner for the Tiger-Cats, averaging 26.3 yards per kick return and 15.0 yards per punt return. He has also scored two kick return touchdowns and one punt return touchdown for Hamilton.
Wooden and Alford were similar players in terms of their potential to make an impact for the Tiger-Cats. However, Wooden holds an advantage over Alford due to his successful CFL experience with Hamilton. Furthermore, while Wooden has potential at the wide receiver position, his small frame makes him a scheme-dependent player, making him best suited as a role player in the Hamilton passing game. As a result, Wooden emerges as an outstanding playmaker with the ball in his hands in space, which makes him an elite fit for being a standout returner in the CFL.
Tiger-Cats Re-Acquire DB Stephen Douglas and Add RB Trent Battle
The Tiger-Cats' release of defensive back Gavin Gibson and running back Shane Watts after Saturday's game created two training camp roster openings. These spots enabled the team to re-sign defensive back Stephen Douglas, who had been cut after Rookie Mini-Camp, and to invite running back Trent Battle for evaluation. Both players have a brief window to prove themselves before Hamilton faces the Argonauts again in the final 2026 pre-season game.
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Defensive back Stephen Douglas rejoins the Tiger-Cats after being cut just before training camp. Previously, the 5'11", 192-pound defender starred at Northwood University from 2023 to 2025 and tallied 103 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, and a blocked kick.
Running back Trent Battle joins the Tiger-Cats roster after spending time with the Atlanta Falcons during their 2026 rookie mini-camp. The 6'1", 205-pound Battle played college football at TCU from 2022 to 2025. Although he appeared in 48 games for the Horned Frogs and received limited opportunities in the offensive backfield, Battle ran the ball 127 times for 598 yards and 8 rushing touchdowns, and added another 253 yards on 27 pass receptions. He also contributed on special teams, registering 11 tackles. Battle has the ability to be an effective downhill runner and the potential to grow into a role as a receiver out of the backfield.
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