The Ticats have released Nic Grigsby, who was the team’s starting running back in last year’s Grey Cup.
Head coach Kent Austin said the 26-year-old, who played in five games for Hamilton after being released by Winnipeg last September, had fallen behind rookies Ray Holley and Michael Ford on the depth chart. Both can play special teams — something Grigsby doesn’t do — and are more versatile.
“We focus a great deal on protecting the quarterback, especially in that spot, and there’s a level of trust with those two guys that won the day for them,” Austin said.
C.J. Gable is also nearing a return to the lineup after suffering a finger injury in training camp, and will likely return to his role as the team’s feature back. With limited roster space, Grigsby was the odd man out.
Austin said there were no locker-room issues with Grigsby, who left the Bombers amid reports of strife with the coaching staff and teammates.
“He was outstanding, did everything that we asked,” Austin said. “I have a good relationship with him. Zero problems.”
Notes: Defensive backs Courtney Stephen and Johnny Sears missed practice for the third straight day on Tuesday and won’t play Thursday in Montreal. Look for first-year Ticat Donald Washington to get the start at boundary corner, with Ed Gainey moving into Sears’ halfback spot. Hamilton will use several different ratio configurations to make up for the loss of the Canadian Stephen … Defensive end Adrian Tracy returned to practice on Tuesday but is unlikely to play against Montreal, with Sam Scott starting instead … Look for Joel Figueroa to take over the right tackle spot from Jeremy Lewis.
