Around the CFL: Redblacks' Masoli faces struggling former team in return

Exactly one year after he last played football, Jeremiah Masoli is set to make his return in a familiar setting.

The Ottawa Redblacks quarterback, who broke his leg on July 8, 2022, after a dirty hit by former Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman Garrett Marino, will make his much-anticipated season debut on Saturday in Hamilton against the Tiger-Cats.

Masoli was a Ticat from 2013-21 before Hamilton opted to make Dane Evans their starter. The Redblacks, with former Ticats GM Shawn Burke at the helm, scooped up Masoli in free agency last year — and he was playing well before the injury.

The Redblacks had no answer at quarterback after Masoli went down and the team finished last in the East. Things looked bleak again this year without Masoli before Tyrie Adams led the Redblacks to a nice win in his CFL starting debut last week against the winless Edmonton Elks.

However, the Redblacks announced this week that Adams suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Edmonton — making Masoli's return that much more important.

“I don’t think anybody’s worked harder than he has to get back to where he is," Redblacks coach Bob Dyce told reporters, per Tim Baines of Postmedia. "He’s such a consummate team player and such a great leader. It’s been a long time and it’s all been work for him. He’s continued to fight, that’s the kind of team we have to be. I’m excited to have him lead this team because of the type of man he is.

“These guys really do look up to him as a leader. They want to make sure they’re on point when their number is called. His energy level brings the team up. Everybody’s excited and looking forward to it. But, at the same time, we don’t want to make it feel like it’s just him. It takes all 12 of them to do their job and continue doing the things like we did last week, getting better every day and working hard, that we take care of our own responsibilities.”

If Masoli can guide his team to victory in Hamilton, it would put his struggling former team into an even worse situation.

The Grey Cup hosts are off to an 0-3 start and do not have marquee free agent quarterback signing Bo Levi Mitchell (lower-body injury). Matthew Shiltz will make his second start in a row for Hamilton, which is coming off a bye week.

The Ticats were booed by their home fans at times in their home opener last time out against the Montreal Alouettes.

"Right now, it's early in the season. It's not where we expected to be. It's not where we want to be, but it's where we are," Ticats coach Orlondo Steinauer said. "0-3 is what it is. ... As far as on the field, you can go on and on. There's lots of reasons and things we need to clean up in order to get in the win column."

The boobirds could return easily if the Ticats get off to a fourth consecutive horrid start. Hamilton has been outscored 72-19 in the first half this year.

The opportunity is there for Masoli to have success right off the bat against a struggling team.

What we liked in Week 4

• The play of the Toronto Argos defence in an impressive win over the B.C. Lions. Six interceptions against Vernon Adams Jr. was a combination of great work by the secondary and strong pressure up front. Nice work by Argos defensive co-ordinator Corey Mace, a native of Port Moody, B.C. and a former Buffalo Bills and Calgary Stampeders player

• Another strong game from Argos QB Chad Kelly, with famous uncle Jim in attendance for the battle of the last two remaining unbeaten teams at BMO Field. The first-year starter from Buffalo looks like the real deal.

• Two more sacks by Canadian defensive lineman Mathieu Betts of the Lions. The Laval product leads the CFL with seven.

What we didn't like in Week 4

• Adams Jr.'s six interceptions, though that comes with an asterisk. Several of the picks were outstanding plays by the Argos. And at other times, Adams Jr. made some great throws. He also showed his leadership ability talking to the media afterwards. It says here Adams is a keeper.

• Another bad performance by the Elks in Ottawa. The heat's on Elks second-year coach Chris Jones.

Power Rankings

1. Toronto Argonauts (3-0, 2): Great defence, sharp quarterbacking is a recipe for success.

2. B.C. Lions (3-1, 1): While the Argos piled up the points against B.C., many came with short fields. Still a tremendous defence.

3. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-1, 3): Bounced back from loss to B.C. with road win over Montreal.

4. Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-1, 4): Great chance to keep the good vibes going with Edmonton in town.

5. Montreal Alouettes (2-1, 5): Offence stalled versus Winnipeg — and things won't get any easier in B.C.

6. Calgary Stampeders (1-2, 6): Former Stamps WR Marken Michel re-signed this week after bouncing around the NFL for four years. Injury-riddled team needs him.

7. Ottawa Redblacks (1-2, 8): Team has some momentum as Masoli returns.

8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-3, 7): Next two games are against Ottawa and Edmonton. Not must-wins, but close to it.

9. Edmonton Elks (0-4, 9): QB Taylor Cornelius returns as starter in Saskatchewan after Jarret Doege was ineffective in Ottawa.

Week 5 Picks

Edmonton Elks at Saskatchewan Roughriders (-7.5), Thursday, 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT: Roughriders beat the Elks 17-13 in Week 1 in Edmonton. Spread is big here. PICK: Edmonton

Calgary Stampeders at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (-7.5), Friday, 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT: The Blue Bombers have scored a combined 23 points in their past two games. Again, spread looks big. PICK: Calgary

Ottawa Redblacks at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (-2.5), Saturday, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT: Critical game for Ticats if they want to stay within striking distance in East. PICK: Hamilton

Montreal Alouettes at B.C. Lions (-7.5), Sunday, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT: Vernon Adams Jr. faces his old team on a short week for the Lions. PICK: B.C.

2023 Picks Record: 7-8

Odds from FanDuel as of Wednesday night.