Keon Hatcher not expected to play for B.C. Lions versus Ticats: report

Photo courtesy: David Dermer/B.C. Lions

All-CFL receiver Keon Hatcher is not expected to play for the B.C. Lions on Friday against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, according to a report from TSN’s Farhan Lalji.

The 31-year-old was originally listed as a game-time decision after suffering a hamstring strain in practice. American rookie Jaden Williams will be promoted from the practice roster to take his place in the starting lineup.

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.

B.C. are now missing four starting receivers from their season-opener last week. Stanley Berryhill III, Jevon Cottoy, and Seven McGee are all on the six-game injured list, with the latter potentially out for the year.

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.