With playoffs out of reach, Ticats and Redblacks face off with an eye on 2027

Ottawa Redblacks and Hamilton Tiger-Cats face off on Friday, as the playoffs are no longer a possibility for either team. The upcoming match will serve as an audition for both teams to evaluate who they want to build around next season. The Tiger-Cats, currently at 4-11, were officially eliminated from playoff contention following a 37-35 loss to the Edmonton Elks.

Meanwhile, the 0-14 Redblacks are still searching for their first win of the season. The Redblacks recently traded kicker Brett Lauther to Saskatchewan for a 2027 draft pick and released defensive backs Adrian Frye and Christian Matthew. Ottawa, on the other hand, traded defensive lineman Julian Howsare to Montreal and received a 2027 fifth-round pick in return.

Lauther was a valuable asset for the Redblacks, hitting a league-best 32-of-34 field goals with a 93.5% accuracy. Ottawa's kicking duties will be taken over by rookie Paul Geelen, who makes his CFL debut. Although Ottawa is winless, the team is still motivated and looking to evaluate younger players during this game. The Redblacks have scored 69 points over their past two games with new quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson taking over under center.

Bethel-Thompson has thrown for 797 yards and seven touchdowns in his past two starts. Quarterback Justin Hardy has been the team's leading receiver, catching 21 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns. Bethel-Thompson expressed his desire for the team to see the fruits of their hard work, stating that a win would bring immense joy to the team.

The Tiger-Cats will be without their regular starting quarterback, Harrison Frost, who has seven touchdown passes over his last three games.