Hamilton Tiger-Cats name Tre Ford starting QB, Harrison Frost remains on roster despite back injury

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

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have listed Tre Ford as their starting quarterback for Saturday’s clash with the Toronto Argonauts.

Ford came off the bench in the second half of the team’s 26-19 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Week 11, completing 13-of-17 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown, a spectacular 41-yard bomb to Keric Wheatfall to give Hamilton the lead. He added four carries for 38 yards on the ground.

The Canadian pivot had previously started three games for the Ticats in the absence of franchise QB Bo Levi Mitchell and helped secure a victory in the team’s last meeting with the Argos, but was benched before halftime in Week 9 due to inconsistent play. So far this season, Ford has completed 61-of-90 passes for 650 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, while rushing 25 times for 270 yards.

Harrison Frost, who replaced Ford as the starter, was forced out of the game with a back injury. He has been a limited participant in practice this week, but remains on the game-day roster in a backup capacity. He has completed 41-of-69 passes for 516 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions this season.

Third-stringer Jake Dolegala, who started one game for the team prior to Ford’s initial insertion, is the only other quarterback on the roster.

Besides the swap at QB, the Tabbies’ only other changes take place at defensive tackle. Mario Kendrick Jr., who has recorded 13 defensive tackles and two sacks, has been placed on the one-game injured list due to an ankle issue. He will be replaced in the starting lineup by rookie defensive tackle De’Jon Benton. Canadian backup Charbel Dabire is making his return from an arm injury, which has caused Aamarii Notice to be demoted to the practice roster.

The largest return for Hamilton could take place on the sidelines, where head coach Scott Milanovich is expected to be on Saturday after being absent all week due to a personal matter. Further information regarding his status has not been made available.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-6) will visit the Toronto Argonauts (4-5) at BMO Field on Saturday, August 22, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Tiger-Cats are coming off a 26-19 upset win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, while the Argonauts got blown out by the Edmonton Elks by a score of 42-12.

The weather forecast in Toronto calls for a high of 23 degrees and a 40 percent chance of rain. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton or TSN 1050 in Toronto.

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