The Hamilton Tiger-Cats appear to be getting healthy at a convenient time following a slow start to the CFL season, according to the team’s injury report.
Veteran linebacker Simoni Lawrence was removed from the six-game injured list after suffering a groin injury that kept him out of the last two games. TSN’s Matthew Scianitti reported that head coach Orlondo Steinauer said Lawrence is practicing, though he did not participate in practice on Monday.
The 33-year-old started the club’s first four games at weak-side linebacker, recording 19 tackles. Though he did not participate in practice on Monday, being removed from injured reserve is an indication that he could be ready to play again in the near future.
Defensive back Cariel Brooks (back) and receiver Lemar Durant (hand) were full participants in practice on Monday coming off injuries that held them out of the team’s first six games of the regular season.
Brooks was named a CFL all-star in 2021 after recording 23 tackles, five interceptions, and one sack over 12 games at boundary halfback. He has been replaced by former Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ defensive back Alden Darby, who has made 18 tackles, one sack, and one interception so far this season.
Durant signed with the Ticats in January after being released by his hometown B.C. Lions in a salary cap-clearing move. He has played 74 games over six seasons in the CFL with B.C. (2019-21) and Calgary (2015-18), registering 183 receptions for 2,353 yards and 13 touchdown receptions.
Veteran offensive lineman Chris Van Zeyl did not practice on Monday due to a hip injury. The 13-year blocker has started all six games this season at right tackle.
The Ticats (1-5) are scheduled to host the Montreal Alouettes (2-4) on Thursday, July 26 with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m. ET.
