The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are set to audition a number of newcomers for key roles when they open the preseason on Saturday against Ottawa.
Chief among the battles on display will be those vying for playtime in the receiving corps, where several spots appear up for grabs. In addition to all-star Tim White and Canadian Kiondre Smith, Omar Bayless is expected to fill a full-time role in his second year with the team. Rookies Shemar Bridges and Kaylon Geiger will get the first opportunity to run with the number one group, while a rotation of other candidates is expected to be heavily involved.
Elsewhere on offence, the team will not dress running back James Butler or either of their top offensive tackles in Jordan Murray and Joel Figueroa, who is currently on the injured list. Greg Bell will get the start in the backfield while newcomers Quinton Barrow and Brendan Bordner will get first crack at the bookend spots over known commodities Brandon Kemp and Kendrick Sartor.
On defence, Ray Wilborn has drawn the start at the vacant weak-side linebacker position, while Destin Talbert has a chance to supplant returnee Carthell Flowers-Lloyd at strong-side linebacker. Prized free agent additions Jamal Peters and Dewayne Hendrix will not dress for this contest, allowing Jarrod Hewitt to start at defensive tackle and Mark Milton to try out at cornerback.
The Ticats will host the Redblacks at 2:00 p.m. ET on June 25. The game is available free to stream on CFL+.
