The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will be getting a boost on the defensive side of the ball when they face the B.C. Lions on Friday night.
Star defensive tackle Casey Sayles is expected to make his return to the lineup, despite being limited in practice all week due to an abdominal injury. In 13 games this season, the 29-year-old has amassed 25 defensive tackles and five sacks. He needs just two sacks in the final four games to match his previous career-high of seven, which earned him All-CFL honours in 2023.
Also returning is strong-side linebacker Jonathan Moxey, who has recovered from a hamstring injury. The former Stampeder has posted 17 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, one sack, and one interception in 10 appearances this year.
For the first time this season, the Ticats may also be fielding a running back tandem. Rookie Greg Bell is listed as a game-time decision coming off a heel injury, but veteran James Butler remains on the depth chart. In five appearances, Bell has carried 61 times for 355 yards and four touchdowns, while also catching 20 passes for 184 yards and another score. Butler has run the ball 103 times for 498 yards and a touchdown in nine starts, catching an additional 43 passes for 356 yards and another score.
To make room for the returnees, defensive tackles Trevon Mason and Mario Kendricks have been demoted to the practice roster, as has defensive back Jayden Price.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5-9) will visit the B.C. Lions (7-7) on Friday, September 27 at 10:30 p.m. EDT.
