Ticats ‘confident’ reigning CFL MOP Brandon Banks will play in Week 12 against Redblacks

Photo courtesy: Ticats.ca

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are planning to have star Brandon Banks back in the lineup for their Week 12 match-up against the Ottawa Redblacks.

The league’s reigning Most Outstanding Player has missed four games this season with an injury to his ribs.

“He seems a lot more comfortable out there. He’s a tough customer, but it’s not like it’s his first year. I feel like with the bye week and another week of practice that we’re giving him the best opportunity to go out there and be more like himself,” head coach Orlondo Steinauer said.

“I’m confident that he’ll play. We have probably given it the best amount of time that we can give it as far as for him to heal up and be healthy. With ribs, it’s going to be predicated on the first hit, but I am confident that he will go for us this week.”

The 33-year-old Banks has had a disappointing follow up campaign to his outstanding MOP season, catching 22 passes for 172 yards but no touchdowns and running for 64 more on seven carries in five games played.

“He looks a lot more pain-free, but when you take your first hit that’s always the tell-all,” Steinauer said.

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.