Star Ticats’ receiver Brandon Banks out for Week 8 against Ottawa Redblacks

Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Brandon Banks will not suit up for his team’s Week 8 game against the Ottawa Redblacks.

“Speedy will not go this week,” Ticats head coach Orlondo Steinauer said.

The 33-year-old Banks will miss a third straight game due to an injury to his ribs. He sat out the Labour Day rematch in Toronto and watched from the sidelines at Tim Hortons Field as the Tabbies beat Calgary 23-17 in Week 7.

The reigning Most Outstanding Player started Hamilton’s first four games of the season, recording 18 receptions for 157 yards and seven carries for 64 yards. He has yet to reach the end zone this year after scoring 16 touchdowns last CFL season.

Speedy B started 16 games for the Tiger-Cats in 2019 and set career highs while leading the league in all major receiving categories with 112 receptions, 1,550 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He produced 16 total majors — 13 receiving, two on missed field goal returns, and one rushing TD.

The veteran was a CFL all-star in 2018, finishing second among all receivers in the league with 94 receptions and 1,423 yards while tying for first with 11 receiving majors. In 2017, Banks produced his first 1,000-yard season with 67 catches for 1,011 yards and eight touchdowns.

Banks has 396 career CFL catches for 5,361 yards and 42 touchdowns, averaging 13.8 yards per catch. Hamilton is hoping he can be healthy for Week 9 versus the Montreal Alouettes.