Ticats sign former NFL, Stampeders running back Don Jackson

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed running back Don Jackson to a one-year contract through the 2020 season, per sources.

Jackson spent his first two CFL seasons in Calgary playing 20 games for the Stampeders. He rushed 218 times for 1,170 yards — 5.4 yards per carry — while catching 44 balls for 300 yards. The 26-year-old nearly broke the 1,000-yard mark in 13 games during his rookie year up north — 924 yards in 13 games.

Following the 2016 NFL draft, Jackson was signed to an undrafted free agent contract by Green Bay. He played three games, starting one, for the Packers carrying the ball 10 times for 32 yards prior to suffering a left hand injury. Green Bay selected three running backs in the 2017 NFL draft and released Jackson.

The University of Nevada product played with current Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Cody Fajardo in their NCAA days. Jackson totalled 2,371 rushing yards, 269 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns with the Wolfpack. He capped his collegiate career by turning out 1,082 yards on the ground in 13 games.

Last season Hamilton started Canadian Sean Thomas-Erlington at running back to begin the regular schedule. Thomas-Erlington recorded 33 carries for 224 yards and 11 receptions for 193 yards and one touchdown in parts of four games. His season was cut short by a major left knee injury.

The Ticats had veteran Americans Cameron Marshall and Tyrell Sutton on the roster in 2019. Jackson provides the black and gold with a proven starter who has playmaking ability.