QB Jeremiah Masoli returns to Redblacks’ roster as third-stringer

The Ottawa Redblacks will get veteran Jeremiah Masoli back in the lineup this week, though he won’t be starting for the franchise that once tapped him as the saviour.

The 35-year-old will serve as the team’s third-string quarterback behind starter Dru Brown and backup Dustin Crum after recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury suffered last year. Fellow QB Tyrie Adams will come off the roster and serve as a healthy scratch.

Masoli has started only five games since joining the Redblacks as a free agent in 2022 as he suffered a fractured leg that year. His recovery was slowed due to an infection he suffered while recovering from surgery, which caused him to miss the first three games of 2023 before suffering a ruptured Achilles.

The five-foot-ten, 205-pound passer restructured his contract with Ottawa during the offseason and will make $133,800 in hard money with maximum potential earnings of $236,800 in 2024, which is comparable to some veteran backups across the league.

The native of San Francisco, Calif. has thrown for 16,675 yards, 82 touchdowns, and 54 interceptions over 119 career regular season games as a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Redblacks.

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Also returning this week after an extended absence is Canadian defensive end Kene Onyeka, who missed the first six games of the year with a new injury. The 27-year-old has made 44 defensive tackles, 35 special teams tackles, 10 sacks and forced two fumbles over four seasons in Ottawa. He’ll kick Canadian running back Amlicar Polk to the practice roster.

As expected, American defensive back Tobias Harris has been placed on the six-game injured list after suffering a gruesome knee injury against Edmonton. Bennett Williams will take over at field halfback, with Adrian Frye coming onto the roster as insurance. Receivers Kalil Pimpleton and Bralon Addison are expected to handle Harris’ return duties with DeVonte Dedmon (knee) still on the one-game injured list.

The Ottawa Redblacks (4-2) will host the Calgary Stampeders (3-3) on Friday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Graphic courtesy: Ottawa Redblacks

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