The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are getting an all-star back in their beleaguered secondary but could be without another key veteran in the process.
Field cornerback Richard Leonard returns to his usual spot after he was a late scratch prior to the team’s blowout loss in Week 5 with an ankle injury. The three-time East Division all-star has appeared in 102 career CFL games, 89 as a member of the Ticats, and has amassed 326 defensive tackles, three sacks, 20 interceptions, and five forced fumbles.
Unfortunately, the status of the other starter lost in that game, Canadian safety Stavros Katsantonis, remains unclear. The 27-year-old is listed as a game-time decision with a leg injury after he was forced to leave late in the first quarter and was unable to practice on Thursday.
American defensive back Dexter Lawson Jr. has been returned to the practice roster to make room for Leonard, though it remains unclear who will replace Katsantonis if he is unable to dress. Linebackers Robert Panabaker and Daniel Bell both have experience at safety, while Canadian corner Siriman Harrison Bagayogo is also in the lineup. Patrick Burke Jr., who backed up the position for much of last year, remains on the practice roster.
In other major changes, starting right tackle Quinton Barrow has been moved to the practice roster after missing practice with an illness on Thursday. Brandon Kemp, who has started 11 games over two seasons with the team, has been activated to replace him.
Rookie Canadian linebacker Ryan Baker will dress in a depth role, while Global linebacker Penei Pavihi (shoulder) heads to the one-game injured list. Defensive end Kobe Jones, linebacker Ray Wilborn, and running back Greg Bell will be healthy scratches.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-5) will host the Toronto Argonauts (3-2) on Saturday, July 20 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
