Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Dane Evans hosted a group of teammates over the last weekend of February for workouts in Texas.
Evans, fellow pivots Jeremiah Masoli, David Watford, and Hayden Moore, reigning CFL Most Outstanding Player Brandon Banks, offensive weapon Bralon Addison, receivers Jaelon Acklin, David Ungerer, Justin Sumpter and running back Don Jackson.
and others took part in the sessions.
Had some of the fellas down in Texas this past weekend! Got in some great work and much needed laughs. First step on the road back to the Cup, Evans tweeted.
Despite Masoli and Evans competing for the starting job in 2021, according to head coach Orlondo Steinauer, the two remain tight — aside from the will to be QB1 for the Ticats. Hamilton was able to re-sign Masoli in January while already having Evans under contract.
Masoli suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 7 of the 2019 season. In January a video was posted to social media showing Masoli perform a number of drills, proving he’s made a full recovery.
According to 3DownNation insider Justin Dunk, Masoli’s extension included a $125,000 signing bonus and could be worth $350,000 total. Meanwhile, Evans earned approximately $170,000 last season, during which he helped the Ticats reach the 107th Grey Cup.
Evans has never outright earned the No. 1 QB job in his pro career. Although, Evans went 10-2 as a starter in relief of an injured Masoli as part of the most dominant regular season in franchise history with the Ticats producing a 15-3 record the last time football was played north of the border.
The 27-year-old Evans started strong in the post-season, throwing for 386 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against the Edmonton Football Team in the East Final. That success didn’t translate to the Grey Cup, a game in which Evans threw for 203 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and fumbled three times in a loss to Winnipeg.
The Ticats are trying to rebound from the demoralizing defeat handed out by the Bombers and earn their way back to the championship game this year, which is scheduled to be hosted in Hamilton at Tim Hortons Field.