Rookie running back Greg Bell will make his CFL debut on Sunday for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The 26-year-old American will step into the lineup after starter James Butler was placed on the one-game injured list with a concussion. He replaces a back that has carried the ball 30 times for 156 yards through the first three weeks of the 2024 season, adding nine receptions for 64 yards through the air.
Bell totalled 358 carries for 1,728 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns over two seasons at San Diego State University (2020-21), adding 15 receptions for 119 yards and one receiving touchdown. The native of Chula Vista, Calif. played at the University of Nebraska in 2018 where he carried the ball 35 times for 173 yards and caught four passes for 14 yards. He started his collegiate career at Arizona Western Community College.
Returning to the lineup this week is Canadian receiver Luther Hakunavanhu, who exits the six-game injured list early after battling an ankle injury. The 27-year-old made 57 receptions for 842 yards and eight touchdowns over three seasons with the Calgary Stampeders and will knock Tyler Ternowski off the starting unit.
There will be significant changes on defence as well, with American linebacker Ray Wilborn swapping out for healthy scratch D.Q. Thomas. The secondary will also be reshuffled with field corner Dexter Lawson Jr. getting demoted to the practice squad. Veteran Richard Leonard will bump over one spot for him as Kenneth George Jr. moves from boundary to field halfback. Destin Talbert will play the boundary half, as former Stampeder Jonathan Moxey makes his debut at strongside linebacker.
Canadian defensive lineman David Menard (quadriceps) has been added to the one-game injured list, joining defensive tackle DeWayne Hendrix (ankle) and linebacker Carthell Flowers-Lloyd (hamstring). Offensive lineman Evan Johnson remains a healthy scratch.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-3) will visit the Ottawa Redblacks (1-1) on Sunday, June 30 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT.
