Over the next 5 weeks, the Tiger-Cats will play the Toronto Argonauts four times starting with their first 2022 matchup this Saturday, August 6th at 7 pm EDT. When the Tiger-Cats arrive in Toronto they will see several familiar faces including former wide receiver Brandon Banks.

Hamilton and Toronto have a long-time rivalry and there is extra incentive for both teams due to the Argonauts holding a 2-point lead over the Tiger-Cats in the standings.

With both teams vying for the opportunity to claim the 1st place spot in the East and the rivalry all signs point to an exciting game. Linebacker Kameron Kelly mentioned, “if you love football it will be a great game to watch with both teams trying to get a win for their city.”

Coming into this game the Tiger-Cats have won 2 games in the last three weeks, and Hamilton is currently 2-0 against the other teams in the East division. In Week 8, the Tiger-Cats played their best game of the season statistically while earning a tough win against the Montreal Alouettes. The Tiger-Cats’ ability to finish drives with touchdowns was a huge breakthrough for the Tiger-Cats.

The Hamilton defence did a great job of pressuring the opposing quarterback and produced a game-winning interception by Kameron Kelly. As the Tiger-Cats put themselves in a position to have a chance to take control of the East division, Hamilton needs to stay focused on taking care of their own business. Wide receiver Bralon Addison said, “let’s keep doing what we do, keep getting better, nobody is panicking, 2-5 nobody wants to be 2-5 but we are working to focus on the little things and the things that are going to help us win then we will be in great shape.”

Mid-Week Injury Report

The injury to linebacker Simoni Lawrence (groin) appears to be improving, and Lawrence has been moved from the 6-game injured list to the 1-game injured list and has been fully participating in practice this week. Offensive lineman Kyle Saxelid (ankle) has also been able to practice this week and could be getting close to being ready to return to the active roster.

Defensive back/kick returner Lawrence Woods III (knee) was limited in practice so far this week, but head coach Orlondo Steinauer mentioned that Woods would be fine and he wanted to give Woods some time to get rest and recover. Hamilton does also have several players who have not been able to practice this week and may not be available for Saturday’s game at Toronto. Those players who have not practiced this week are receiver Anthony Johnson (hand), defensive linemen Lee Autry (shoulder) and Tre’ Crawford (hamstring/illness), receiver Bralon Addison (illness), and wide receiver Tyler Ternowski (shoulder) and linebacker Curtis Newton (knee).

Additional Personnel Transactions

The injuries to Curtis Newton and Tyler Ternowski have forced the Tiger-Cats to sign an additional linebacker and wide receiver Mike Jones. Linebacker Jared Beeksma started the season with the Tiger-Cats, got released, and played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but was then released by the Roughriders.

This allowed the Tiger-Cats to re-acquire Beeksma. Similarly, the Tiger-Cats signed former Tiger-Cat and Elks receiver Mike Jones. Jones is a 29-year-old, 6’0″, 180-pound receiver that played for the Tiger-Cats from 2016 to 2019. He played in 58 games with the Tiger-Cats and produced 101 receptions for 1,472 yards and 4 touchdowns. From 2021-2022 Jones played with the Elks playing in 18 games and producing 37 receptions for 494 yards and 2 touchdowns.

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