Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ DB Jamal Peters stretchered off field, taken to hospital after blow to head

Photo: Samantha Keen/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Jamal Peters was stretchered off the field after suffering a potential head or neck injury in Thursday’s game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Peters remained motionless on the turf after tackling Winnipeg receiver Tommy Nield for a 16-yard gain midway through the first quarter, with surrounding players immediately indicating there was a need for medical attention.  The replay appeared to show Nield’s knee striking the top of the defender’s helmet as he went airborne.

Training staff from both teams attended to Peters on the ground, bracing his head and neck before placing him on a spineboard and a stretcher. Teammates gathered around the 29-year-old as he was removed, and he appeared to demonstrate some movement in his extremities. The Ticats later described him as conscious and in good spirits.

Peters was taken to the hospital for further evaluation. He was released later that night after being cleared of a spinal injury.

The six-foot-two, 220-pound defender was named All-CFL in 2025 after recording 50 defensive tackles and six interceptions over 16 regular-season games. He registered three tackles in the Ticats’ 2026 season opener.

The native of Hattiesburg, Miss., joined the Tiger-Cats as a free agent in 2024, earning All-East Division status. He made 38 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, and three interceptions that year over 14 regular-season games.

Peters began his CFL career with the Toronto Argonauts in 2021 and had a breakout year the following season, earning his first All-CFL selection and helping the team win the Grey Cup. Over 67 career regular-season games, Peters has tallied 211 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, 21 interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack.

The Ticats went on to defeat Winnipeg by a score of 37-27, recording their first win of the season.