The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are getting a pair of big-name returnees just in time for the biggest game of the year, as they welcome several key players back from injuries ahead of their rivalry clash with the Toronto Argonauts.
Safety Stavros Katsantonis and boundary cornerback Jamal Peters are cleared to return this week after brief absences. Katsantonis has been one of the top tacklers in the league through the first half, posting 38 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, and three interceptions. Peters, who followed up a 2024 East Division all-star season with 36 defensive tackles and three interceptions, is set to boost the Ticats’ secondary in the biggest game of the season.
Joining them back in the lineup are Canadian running back Johnny Augustine, receiver Tyler Ternowski, and long snapper Gordon Whyte, all returning from injuries for the rivalry matchup. American linebacker Braxton Hill will also make his debut as a depth piece, adding another veteran presence to the rotation.
The only notable subtraction from this week’s roster is backup Canadian offensive lineman Nathaniel Dumoulin-Duguay, who has been placed on the six-game injured list with a knee injury. Veteran Canadian receiver Drew Wolitarsky is listed as a healthy scratch, while offensive lineman Arvin Hosseini, running back Kevin Brown, and defensive back Zamari Walton have been returned to the practice roster.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-4) will host the Toronto Argonauts (3-8) at Hamilton Stadium on Monday, September 1, with kickoff slated for 2:30 p.m. EDT. The Argonauts are coming off a blowout win over British Columbia, while the Tiger-Cats had a bye to regroup after falling to Saskatchewan in their previous game.
Forecasts in Hamilton call for a high of 25 degrees with sunny skies, setting favorable conditions for a high-energy showdown. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio options include TSN 1050 in Toronto and the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton.
What this means for the Ticats: the return of Katsantonis should sharpen the defense and stabilise the safety position, while Peters’ presence on the boundary should help slow down Toronto’s receiving corps. Augustine adds depth at running back, Ternowski provides a reliable target, and Whyte should help with special teams’ consistency and snapping accuracy. Hill’s debut adds rotational depth on defense. With these pieces back in place, Hamilton aims to leverage a refreshed lineup against the Argos and push toward a crucial win in a heated rivalry.
Summary: After a bye week to regroup, the Ticats bring back key playmakers and add depth through multiple returns, setting the stage for a potentially pivotal home game against a struggling Argonauts squad. The lineup upgrades give Hamilton a chance to reassert control in a season that has already seen strong individual performances from Katsantonis and Peters while pairing them with renewed supporting pieces.
Positive note: The healthy return of key veterans and the splash of new depth come at a fitting moment, giving Hamilton an opportunity to rally around a strong home-field advantage and rebound with momentum in a season that remains competitive.