Update from Ticats practice: Toliver and Tasker return to action (but no Banks)

The Ticats are back on the field for the first time since Saturday’s loss to Ottawa. Here’s what’s going on:

• former Ticats quarterback Johnny Manziel is taking first team reps at practice in Montreal, an indicator that hell start Friday against Hamilton.

• receiver Brandon Banks did not practice on Monday and wearing a brace on his left knee, though he is on the field. Banks seemed to be hobbling in the latter stages of the game against Ottawa but finished the game.

• on the plus side, both Luke Tasker and Terrence Toliver took part in practice.

• the team has signed American offensive lineman Isame Faciane and wide receiver Cameron Echols-Luper to the practice roster.

The 27-year-old Faciane attended training camp with Toronto Argonauts this season before being released on June 9 and has spent time with Miami, Buffalo and Minnesota of the NFL. Originally signed as a defensive lineman by Minnesota, he spent three years on the Vikings’ practice roster as they converted him to the other side of the football.

With the trade of Tony Washington last week, the Ticats needed another American to back up right tackle Ryker Mathews and Avery Jordan, who started at left tackle against Ottawa. Be interesting to see if Faciane, who is listed as 6-foot-4, 310 pounds can push Jordan or if the Ticats will give Canadian Kay Okafor a shot at some point.

Echols-Luper, 23, attended Indianapolis Colts rookie minicamp this past May after a college career that saw him play at three schools. At 6-feet, 195 pounds he’s a bigger body in a Ticat line up that features Chris Williams, Banks and Jalen Saunders. 

• The Ticats have also released defensive end Jamal Marcus, who did not appear in a game this season.