The Ottawa Redblacks are set to field the same lineup that earned their first win of the season when they face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, with one notable exception.
A year to the day since he suffered a serious knee injury on a late hit from Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive tackle Garrett Marino, starting quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is scheduled to make his return to the roster. The injury required surgery and suffered several setbacks due to infection, pushing his recovery into the 2023 season.
The 34-year-old completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 1,083 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions prior to the injury last season, his first as a Redblack. He also carried the ball 11 times for 39 yards and one touchdown.
The five-foot-ten, 218-pound passer has thrown for 16,182 yards, 79 touchdowns, and 50 interceptions over the course of his decade-long CFL career, most of which was spent with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. This week will mark the first time he has had the opportunity to play against his former team.
Unfortunately, one quarterback’s triumphant return marks the departure of another. Tyrie Adams, who led the Redblacks to their first win of the season last week in his first career start, has been added to the six-game injured list with a season-ending ACL injury. The 26-year-old completed 70 percent of his passes for 185 yards and a touchdown while running for 31 yards against Edmonton.
Rookie Dustin Crum will remain in place as Masoli’s primary backup, while veteran Nick Arbuckle continues to serve as the third-stringer after losing the starting job in Week 2.
Ottawa made no other changes to their roster. Starting defensive backs Sherrod Baltimore (knee) and Cariel Brooks (foot), linebacker Chizi Umunakwe (shoulder), running back Devonte Williams (hamstring), and first overall CFL draft pick Dontae Bull (leg) all remain on the one-game injured list.
The Redblacks (1-2) will visit the Ticats (0-3) on Saturday, July 8 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. They are currently point underdogs.
