Tiger-Cats quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is working towards starting again.
Week 2 was the last time Masoli was behind centre for Hamilton this season. He suffered an injury to his ribs that night at Mosaic Stadium and been hoping to heal enough to return to the field.
“I hope that it continues to calm down and stay down there versus spiking back up on me — I’m hopeful,” Masoli said.
“My goal is not to have any setbacks. Trying to push it hard and make sure that it doesn’t go the wrong way, we’re continuing to improve.”
The 33-year-old stated his ailing ribs “definitely feel better” and it’s “pretty much” about pain tolerance from this point forward. Masoli has been dressed for the last two Ticats games while David Watford started and help the team win each time out. No. 8 is trying to take over the starting job when Montreal comes to town on Saturday in Week 9.
“Ultimately, how he’s feeling and how his arm responds to more throws will determine who starts for us. It’s really about how his body responds to more throwing,” head coach Orlondo Steinauer said.
“There is a chance but it’s all predicated on how he feels. He took quite a few more throws, we’re ready to proceed however we deem that will give us the best chance and also how Jeremiah feels.”
During nearly seven quarters of football in 2021, Masoli has completed 62 percent of his passes for 377 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions. He had been forced to deal with constant pressure in his face due to a new-look offensive line, but the unit up front has improved as the season has gone along.
“A lot of us that have been down and injured, we’ve been working hard. It’s been tough, we’ve been supporting each other,” Masoli said.
“It doesn’t feel like I’ve missed a beat — feeling great. I’ve been pushing myself steadily inclining and I’ve given myself more work, it feels OK for now.”
Reigning CFL MOP Brandon Banks and CFL all-star receiver Bralon Addison have rejoined Masoli at practice in advance of the match-up with the Alouettes. Those three men got together with a group of Tiger-Cats during the off days following the win in Ottawa for throwing sessions.
“Jeremiah is a pro, he’s going to continue to take care of his body. He’s always going to be prepared mentally,” Addison said.
“In my opinion, he looked good, I thought he threw the ball well. I’m not him, I don’t know how his body feels, but as a receiver, I would feel comfortable playing in a game with him.”
