The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have re-inserted star running back James Butler into the lineup for Friday’s clash with the Toronto Argonauts, though not by choice.
Rookie Greg Bell, who has taken over the starting job over the last four games, has been placed on the one-game injured list with an Achilles tweak. In five appearances, the 26-year-old has carried 61 times for 355 yards and four touchdowns, while also catching 20 passes for 184 yards and another score.
Butler has recorded 92 carries for 440 yards and one touchdown over eight starts this season, along with 37 catches for 312 yards and one score. The two-time thousand-yard rusher has been a healthy scratch for the past four weeks.
The Ticats could have bigger problems on the other side of the ball, as defensive tackle Casey Sayles (abdominal) and strong-side linebacker Jonathan Moxey (hamstring) have both been placed on the one-game. In 13 games, Sayles has amassed 25 defensive tackles and five sacks, while Moxey has posted 17 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, one sack, and one interception.
Special teams ace Carthell Flowers-Lloyd will step in at SAM, while Trevon Mason leads the way at defensive tackle. Canadian defensive backs Robert Panabaker and Patrick Burke Jr. will both return to the lineup for depth, while American defensive tackle Mario Kendricks and defensive back Jayden Price will each make their first career appearances.
Rookie Canadian defensive end Luke Brubacher (shoulder) and fullback Felix Garand-Gauthier (knee) are both headed to the six-game injured list.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-9) will visit the Toronto Argonauts (7-6) on Friday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
