In 2019, Tiger-Cats wide receiver Brandon Banks was one of the best players in the CFL. Just two years later, it seems that most have forgotten about him. What happened to Brandon Banks, and more importantly, will he return to his All-Star form?

Banks has been dealing with a nagging rib injury for most of the 2021 season, which has caused him to miss a few games here and there. Before the Tiger-Cats played the Redblacks on Saturday, head coach Orlondo Steinauer said that Banks was “as healthy as he could be before taking any hits,” and that it was “time to cut him loose.” 

The 33-year-old caught 4 passes for 51 yards in the game against Ottawa, which marked the first time he’d taken the field since week 9. He now has 26 catches for 223 yards on the season, and hasn’t scored a single touchdown. Banks is averaging just 8.6 yards per catch, which is the lowest in his CFL career. Additionally, he is yet to have a catch of 40+ yards, a feat he has accomplished every year since 2013. 

With only a few games left before the playoffs, there’s certainly a reason to be worried about Banks’ future. He isn’t getting any younger, and although the injury may be more serious than it’s being described as, it doesn’t change the fact that the team is different without him. Fortunately, a few receivers have been able to step up and fill in most of his role (Bralon Addison and Tim White are the most notable). 

Fans can only hope that Banks will be able to fully recover, and that he can contribute enough for the Tiger-Cats to win games.