The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will be without a number of star contributors when they face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday.
Veteran defensive tackle Dylan Wynn (arm) and versatile Canadian defensive back Tunde Adeleke (hamstring) have both been placed on the six-game injured list ahead of the matchup.
A three-time East Division all-star, Wynn has struggled with injury this season and has just two tackles in four appearances. Meanwhile, Adeleke has lived up to the billing as the league’s highest-paid defensive back and is the only Canadian starting at halfback anywhere in the league, notching 31 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, and a forced fumble in 10 games.
Also scheduled to miss this week is cornerback Richard Leonard (head), who has been moved to the one-game injured list. In 12 games this season, the 32-year-old has collected 37 defensive tackles, one sack, and three interceptions.
Rookie Dexter Lawson Jr. will dress for his fourth career game to replace Adeleke at halfback, having made eight tackles this season. Lawrence Woods will return to the field-side corner spot vacated by Leonard.
Up front, Jarrod Hewitt has been activated in place of win, while veteran Ja’Gared Davis returns to the lineup as added depth. The 33-year-old has recorded just seven tackles in five games this season and was initially traded to Calgary in July, before a torn meniscus voided the deal. Hamilton will also get backup Canadian linebacker Fraser Sopik back into the lineup, with American Chris Kolarevic returning to the practice roster.
Along the offensive line, Hamilton are playing some intriguing roster gymnastics. Brandon Revenberg will kick out to left tackle and Jakub Szott is listed at left guard, while the team’s regular blindside protector, Joel Figueroa, and rookie Dayton Black are listed as backup fullbacks. The move appears to indicate a desire to employ an abundance of six offensive lineman formations while exploiting the league’s designated American rules.
The Ticats (5-7) will host the Bombers (10-3) on Saturday, September 16 at 4:00 p.m. EDT. The two teams met in Week 1, with Winnipeg securing a 42-31 victory at home.
