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

OTTAWA — With the CFL playoffs no longer a possibility for either the Ottawa Redblacks or Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Friday’s matchup will serve as an audition of sorts as both teams start to evaluate who they want to build around next season.

The Tiger-Cats (4-11) were officially eliminated from playoff contention last weekend following a 37-35 loss to the Edmonton Elks. The 0-14 Redblacks are still looking for their first win of the season.

While a win is a priority, Ottawa appears to already be looking ahead.

The Redblacks traded kicker Brett Lauther to Saskatchewan on Wednesday in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2027 draft and released defensive backs Adrian Frye and Christian Matthew earlier in the week.

Hamilton traded defensive lineman Julian Howsare to Montreal and received a 2027 fifth-round pick in return.

On an Ottawa roster that lacked consistency, Lauther was an exception, hitting 32-of-34 field goals for the third-best percentage in the league.

Dinwiddie said the Redblacks would have liked to keep Lauther but anticipated him wanting to return out west, where he had spent the previous seven seasons, to be closer to family.

“There was a good chance we weren’t going to be able to bring him back and if we were to bring him back we’re probably going to have to pay him a lot more than we were willing to do,” Dinwiddie said.

“It was just a business decision.”

Paul Geelen will take over kicking duties Friday night and make his CFL debut.

“We’re still trying to win,” said Dinwiddie. “We’re trying to evaluate guys, but you know we’ve had some of the veteran guys who have been here with the same results. So we feel like we’ve got some younger guys that we’re obviously trying to evaluate, but we feel like these guys deserve the opportunity.”

Despite being winless, Ottawa heads into Friday’s game with a bit of momentum.

The Redblacks have scored 69 points over their past two games, which coincides with McLeod Bethel-Thompson taking over under centre.

Over his past two starts, Bethel-Thompson has thrown for 797 yards and seven touchdowns.

Justin Hardy has been the beneficiary with 21 catches for 227 yards and two touchdowns, allowing him to compile his fourth consecutive 1,000-plus yard season.

The 38-year-old Bethel-Thompson feels like he’s seeing improvements with the increased reps, but until the Redblacks pick up a victory it’s hard for the veteran to feel like he’s really making a difference.

“I think for this team to feel some joy and feel like the hard work is not for naught would be incredible,” Bethel-Thompson said. “The team is, like, how good would these two days off on the weekend feel if we came out with a win?”

Friday’s game could present an interesting challenge for Bethel-Thompson, with Hamilton’s defence surrendering a league-low 13 completions of 30 yards or more.

The Redblacks will get their first test against Hamilton quarterback Harrison Frost, who comes into Ottawa with seven touchdown passes over his last three games.

Despite being eliminated from the post-season, the Tiger-Cats are not taking this game or the Redblacks lightly.

Coach Scott Milanovich knows much is being made about Ottawa’s record, but he sees similarities between the two teams.

“When you’ve only won four like us, we’re certainly not in any position to look down on anybody,” he said. “So we haven’t been able to win the tight games, and obviously they’ve had a couple opportunities at the same thing, and they haven’t gotten over the top. But I don’t think we’re in a much different spot than they are.”

TIGER-CATS (4-11) AT REDBLACKS (0-14)

KEEP AN EYE OUT: Hamilton’s Kurleigh Gittens Jr. has at least one touchdown in each of his past three games.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: Kalil Pimpleton enters Week 18 with 2,623 combined yards (including 2,021 on kick returns) for the league lead.

100 AND COUNTING: Hamilton’s veteran long snapper, Gordon Whyte, is poised to play in his 100th career CFL game Friday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published October 1, 2026.

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press