Budding linebacker Braxton Hill back for Hamilton Tiger-Cats against Stampeders

Photo: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography / 3DownNation. All rights reserved.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will have a three-headed monster in their linebacking corps for Saturday’s clash with the Stampeders.

Promising American youngster Braxton Hill is slated to make his return to the starting lineup at weak-side linebacker after missing the past two games with an ankle injury. In four appearances this season, the 26-year-old has collected 24 defensive tackles and two more on special teams. That ties him with Canadian starter Ryan Baker, who has appeared in all seven games, for the third-highest defensive total on the team.

A collegiate standout at the University of Montana, Hill began last season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders before joining Hamilton late in the campaign. In eight regular-season games with the Tiger-Cats in 2025, he recorded 16 defensive tackles, 14 special teams tackles, and two interceptions. That earned him interest from multiple NFL teams this offseason.

Hill, Baker, and veteran all-star Wynton McManis will form a fearsome trio now that all are healthy, with packages designed to get all of them on the field. Canadian rookie Loik Gagne (knee) will not be available as depth in the linebacking corps after being placed on the one-game injured list.

Canadian defensive tackle Charbel Dabire (undisclosed) will also sit out this week on the one-game, while American defensive end Mitchell Agude has been moved to the reserve roster. American rookie De’Jon Benton will sub in as a depth defensive tackle, while 2026 first-round pick Jonathan Denis suits up as a seventh offensive lineman to maintain the ratio. Canadian defensive back Jake Nitychoruk also draws back into the lineup, while American defensive back Kaleb Hayes has been bumped down to the practice roster.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-4) will host the Calgary Stampeders (3-4) at Hamilton Stadium on Saturday, August 1, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT. The Stampeders blew out the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this past week, while the Tiger-Cats fell 31-18 to the Montreal Alouettes.

The weather forecast in Hamilton calls for a high of 27 degrees and a 40 percent chance of rain. The game will be broadcast on TSN and CTV in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 770 CHQR in Calgary or the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton.

Eligible sports bettors in Ontario and Alberta can find relevant information for wagering on the games by clicking on their respective jurisdiction. Please bet responsibly.

Graphic courtesy: Hamilton Tiger-Cats