Hamilton Tiger-Cats are itching to hit someone, just in time for pre-season game with the Argos | CBC News

Hamilton hosts Toronto in the first pre-season contest for both clubs at Hamilton Stadium. The game arrives as training camp winds down, with practices increasing fatigue and leaving limited time for players to secure roster spots. Head coach Scott Milanovich said starters healthy enough to play will see up to a half of action. Bo Levi Mitchell, Canadian Tre Ford, and American Jake Dolegala will take snaps, with Dolegala and Ford competing for backup quarterback roles. Mitchell will play only in this pre-season game. Wynton McManis may face his former team, though his availability and playing time depend on how he feels after being nicked up. Hamilton opens the 2026 season June 4 against Montreal, while Toronto begins regular season June 12 in Montreal.

"Milanovich said the opportunity for players to hit someone in a different coloured jersey is welcomed. "Yeah, I think so," Milanovich said Thursday at Ron Joyce Stadium. "I mean, I know I'm getting irritable. "We're getting to that point in training camp where it's been a lot of practices, legs are getting heavy, and things are getting to where they're wrapping up. There's still about three practices left and two pre-season games, but guys are running out of time to make the team.""

"Milanovich said starters healthy enough to play will see up to a half of action Saturday. Incumbent Bo Levi Mitchell, Canadian Tre Ford and American Jake Dolegala the latter two are battling for backup quarterback duties will all take snaps in the contest. Saturday's game will be Mitchell's only pre-season action as Milanovich said the East Division's outstanding player the last two years won't play when Hamilton visits Toronto at Guelph, Ont., on May 29."

"The opening exhibition contest will be veteran middle linebacker Wynton McManis's first opportunity to face his former team. McManis helped Toronto win two Grey Cups over four seasons before signing with the Ticats as a free agent. But whether McManis plays and if so, how much has yet to be determined. "He's been a little bit nicked up," Milanovich said. "I assume he'll play some, I don't know if he'll play a whole half. "We'll make sure he's ready to go once the season starts.""

Read at www.cbc.ca