A quick look at the Tiger-Cats who were not with the team for last year’s opener
For the second straight season the Saskatchewan Roughriders provide the opposition for the Tiger-Cats’ home opener, slated for Saturday night (7 p.m. EST TSN/Ticats Audio Network).
And since this is the modern-day CFL, there has been some significant turnover during the off-season.
There are 15 players on the 45-man game day roster who were not with the Cats in that first home game of 2024: three starters on offence, five on defence and seven more who are backup players and special teams members—as well as five who are currently on the injured list. All 10 members of the practice roster were not with the team at this time last year.
Additionally, there are five new coaches on head coach Scott Milanovich’s staff.
Here are thumbnail sketches of the players and coaches who were not Ticats when their home schedule began last season.
OFFENCE
#89 Kenny Lawler: WR. Ticats’ premier free agency signing, two-time Grey Cup winner with Winnipeg, CFL all-star 2021, was Bo Levi Mitchell’s most frequent target (13) in Game 1, snaring seven passes.
#66 Liam Dobson: RG. Another major free agent signing, was 3rd overall choice in 2022 CFL draft by Winnipeg. Became full-time starter last season and was West Division all-star.
#5 Greg Bell: RB. Joined team in March, 2024, was on injured list in last year’s home opener. Replaced James Butler as starter halfway through season and in only eight games rushed for 625 yards and six TDs with another 230 yards in receptions for 1 TD.
DEFENCE
#95 Julian Howsare: DE. Versatile on run and pass coverage. Was with Ticats from 2018-22 and made 2022 East all-star team. Went to Calgary as free agent for two years before returning as a free agent in February.
#9 TyJuan Garbutt: DE. Free agent from Winnipeg, out of Virginia Tech. After recovering from broken ankle, made 29 defensive tackles, 3 sacks and had a defensive touchdown in 12 games with Bombers last year. Started West final and Grey Cup.
#91 Miles Fox: DT. First-day free agent signing after three seasons in Winnipeg. Played three regular season games last year and appeared in West final and Grey Cup.
#3 Branden Dozier: DB. Started at strong side LB (SAM) last week in first Ticats game and was effective on blitzes. Seven-year CFL vet signed just before training camp after 103 games with Montréal, BC and Calgary. East all-star in 2018.
#8 DaShaun Amos. DB Named No. 47 in Top 50 players. Signed as free agent from Argos to start at strong-side halfback; has been all-star in both conferences with Argos and Stampeders and has won three Grey Cups.
SPECIAL TEAMS AND BACKUPS
#27 Johnny Augustine: RB. Primary backup to Greg Bell, also integral to special teams. Welland native spent last six seasons with Winnipeg and won two Grey Cups.
#80 Isaiah Wooden: KR. Joined Cats last October and played one game. Made huge impression in exhibition games and returned kickoff 105 yards for TD last week in Calgary. Can back up at WR.
#47 Owen Hubert: DE: Bombers’ 8th round draft pick in 2024 after five years playing at McMaster. Played 10 games in Winnipeg and made eight defensive tackles but was on practice roster at end of season, so Ticats signed him as free agent.
#97 Isaiah Bagnah: DE: Ticats’ second choice, 9th overall, in 2025 draft after playing at Boise State and BYU. Made a sack in first pro game last week.
#41 Brian Cole II: LB. Played 37 games over last three years in Winnipeg. First-day free agency signing after 11 games, 24 defensive tackles, and interception for Bombers last season.
#49 Devin Veresuk: LB. Ticats’ top pick No. 2 in May’s Canadian Draft from his hometown Windsor Lancers and had very strong pre-season. Fast and strong. Saw action last week and made a defensive tackle and special teams tackle.
#32 Mack Bannatyne: DB. Selected from Alberta in 3rd round, 28th overall, this year. Very solid training camp and important on special teams.
PRACTICE ROSTER
#40 Ty Anderson: DL. Fourth round (36th overall) draft choice from Alberta Bears. Canada West all-star drafted to back up Kyle Samson
#87 Keaton Bruggeling: WR. Had outstanding game in final pre-season, making the roster. Has speed and played three years with Redblacks playing 31 games. Also learning to long snap. Is on Canadian bobsled team.
#92 Kyle Samson: DT. Hamilton native obtained in draft-day trade with Winnipeg. Bombers’ second rounder in 2024. Made pro debut in 2024 Grey Cup.
#46 Phillip Ossai: DL. Played at North Alabama, was second team all-conference in 2023. Mini camp with Atlanta Falcons. Has two brothers playing in NFL.
#54 Brayden Swartout: OT. 6-7 305 pounds American played at Central Michigan and has Bowl Game experience. Graded well in training camp.
#20 Zamari Walton: CB. One to keep an eye on. Tall (6-foot-3) with big-time college experience at Ole Miss and Georgia Tech.
#43 Kyler Fisher: LB. Arrived in mid-May, adds potential depth to special teams, after five years NCAA at Iowa.
#39 Treshaun Ward: RB. Power back who carried a lot of the load and piled up yardage in second pre-season game and in second half of first pre-season in relief of Greg Bell. Played for three major colleges—Florida State, Kansas State and Boston College—and amassed 26 touchdowns rushing and receiving.
#86 Joseph Ngata: WR. Another big (6-3, 217 pounds) target signed this week from Clemson. Was in Calgary’s camp.
#16 Jake Dolegala: QB signed this week; 6-foot-7; has appeared in 20 CFL games with Saskatchewan, BC and Winnipeg with 2953 passing yards and 12 TDs.
The team’s Depth Chart for Saturday’s game can be found below.
