Keon Hatcher game-time decision for decimated B.C. Lions receiving corps

Photo courtesy: David Dermer/B.C. Lions

The B.C. Lions have been decimated by injuries in their receiving corps ahead of Friday’s matchup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, though they won’t know just how badly until kickoff.

Reigning CFL receiving yardage leader Keon Hatcher Sr. is listed as a game-time decision after he was unable to practice on Wednesday due to a thigh injury. The 31-year-old was a full participant on Tuesday, but has since been downgraded to questionable for Week 3.

Hatcher posted 1,688 receiving yards on a career-high 102 receptions with nine touchdowns in 2025. The native of Tulsa, Okla., has registered 309 receptions for 4,843 receiving yards over his six-year career, twice earning All-CFL honours.

The news comes after the Lions lost three starting receivers in their season opener. Stanley Berryhill III (thigh), Jevon Cottoy (thigh), and Seven McGee (foot) have all been placed on the six-game injured list and will be out for the foreseeable future.

Third-year Canadian receiver Kieran Poissant has been bumped into the starting lineup after being listed as the team’s only backup pass catcher last week. Joining him on the first unit are rookie Canadian Nick Cenacle, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2026 CFL Draft, and American Jermaine Jackson, who was released following training camp but re-signed this week. The team has also activated rookie American Silas Bolden to handle McGee’s return duties and provide depth.

Should Hatcher be unable to go, the team could elect to elevate rookie American Jaden Williams from the practice roster, the only other receiver under contract.

Defensively, the lineup remains unchanged, though Canadian defensive back Patrice Rene is listed as a game-time decision due to a leg injury which limited him on Wednesday.

The B.C. Lions (0-1) will visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-1) at Hamilton Stadium on Friday, June 19, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT. The Lions are coming off a last-minute loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in a repeat of last year’s West Final, while the Tiger-Cats are coming off a high-scoring win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The weather forecast in Hamilton calls for a high of 24 degrees with a 40 percent chance of showers. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 730 CKNW (English) or Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in Vancouver or the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton.

Graphic courtesy: B.C. Lions