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Nelson Lokombo out for Saskatchewan Roughriders' clash with Ticats
by 3Down Staff July 11, 2026
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be down a key member of the secondary for Sunday's clash with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Canadian defensive back Nelson Lokombo has been placed on the one-game injured list after an ankle issue held him out of practice this week. This marks the 27-year-old's second stint on the injured list this season, but he's been impactful when healthy, making five defensive tackles in two games.
Lokombo is traditionally a safety, but started at boundary halfback last week in place of the injured Rolan Milligan Jr. National defensive back Jonathan Edouard will get his second start of the season at that vacant spot, while versatile linebacker/defensive back Jayden Dalke returns to the lineup to provide depth and special teams value.
As previously reported by 3DownNation, running back A.J. Ouellette will make his return to the lineup after missing two games with an ankle injury. The 30-year-old has rushed 33 times for 153 yards while catching three passes for 18 yards in three games this year.
Saskatchewan will operate without a designated backup for Ouellette in his return. American Quali Conley, who posted 20 carries for 107 yards with one touchdown in his absence, has been returned to the practice roster, while Canadian Thomas Bertrand-Hudon is sidelined with a head injury. Canadian receiver D'Sean Mimbs will dress to maintain the ratio.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (3-1) will host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-2) on Sunday, July 12, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Tiger-Cats are coming off a 14-13 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during which Bo Levi Mitchell was carted off in an ambulance, while the Roughriders beat the Ottawa Redblacks by a score of 27-22.
The weather forecast in Regina calls for a high of 27 degrees and sun. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton and 620 CKRM in Regina.
https://3downnation.com/2026/07/11/nelson-lokombo-out-for-saskatchewan-roughriders-clash-with-ticats/
Kaleb Hayes to make first CFL start for Hamilton Tiger-Cats
by 3Down Staff July 11, 2026
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have listed Kaleb Hayes as their starter at field-side halfback for Sunday's game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The 27-year-old has played three regular-season games in a depth role to start the year, recording two special teams tackles. This will be his first career CFL start.
Hayes joined the Tiger-Cats as a free agent in January after stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears. He split his collegiate career between Oregon State and Brigham Young University.
Hamilton's starter at field-side halfback to start the year was Quavian White, who was limited in practice this week due to a back injury. He has been placed on the one-game injured list.
Veteran defensive back Devodric Bynum, who was moved to the reserve list last week, has been activated this week due to White's absence. He will dress as a backup.
The rest of Hamilton's roster remains unchanged from last week, save for the game's most important position.
Bo Levi Mitchell has officially been placed on the six-game injured list after undergoing ankle surgery. Though the veteran quarterback has vowed to return to the field as soon as possible, head coach Scott Milanovich indicated this week that the injury could be season-ending.
As announced earlier this week, Jake Dolegala will start in place of Mitchell.
"(Dolegala) just has more experience with what we're doing right now," explained Milanovich. "My hope when we brought Tre (Ford) in was that he could kinda learn from Bo (Levi Mitchell) for a year, and then if Bo chose to retire — I know there was talk of that last season — that he'd be ready to compete next year. I just think Jake has a little bit more experience with what we're doing right now."
Dolegala dressed for 13 regular-season games with the Tiger-Cats in 2025 in a depth role behind Mitchell and Taylor Powell, who left for the Edmonton Elks in free agency. He didn't attempt any passes but was active at times in short-yardage, rushing 22 times for 50 yards and one touchdown.
The 29-year-old first broke into the CFL in 2022 as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The native of Hamburg, N.Y. spent two seasons with the team, completing 63.0 percent of his passes for 2,795 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He made 10 starts, posting a 2-8 record.
The six-foot-seven, 242-pound passer spent the first part of the 2024 season with the B.C. Lions, throwing for 158 yards and losing his only start. He was released in August after Nathan Rourke returned to B.C. following a stint in the NFL and signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he dressed for five regular-season games in a depth role.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-2) will visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (3-1) on Sunday, July 12 with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Tiger-Cats are coming off a 14-13 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during which Bo Levi Mitchell was carted off in an ambulance, while the Roughriders beat the Ottawa Redblacks by a score of 27-22.
The weather forecast in Regina calls for a high of 27 degrees and sun. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton and 620 CKRM in Regina.
https://3downnation.com/2026/07/11/kaleb-hayes-to-make-first-cfl-start-for-hamilton-tiger-cats/
depth charts are posted
Oh man this one could get ugly. If dolegala is your best bet, desperate doesn't begin to describe the situation!!!
See what the Ti-Cats can do, they still have a lot of good players on offence and defence.
I feel sympathy for ticat fans.
Dolegala is terrible. I wonder if we'll see Ford in the second half.
45 Oulette looks like he won't make it to the end of the game.
Sask has some grade a jerks on their team.
Quote from: bunker on July 13, 2026, 12:13:26 AMDolegala is terrible. I wonder if we'll see Ford in the second half.
Yep he's gone backwards from 3 years ago, looks like he doesn't even prepare for the starting role anymore, he's so used to playing SY only. If they stick with Dolegala expect the Riders to feast on interceptions in the 2nd half.
It's a pretty damning commentary on what Milanovich must think of Ford, that Dolegala is starting ahead of him.
That Sexton is a good returner. Unfortunate injury.
Rare to see Harris throw a pick
Quote from: bunker on July 13, 2026, 12:32:42 AMIt's a pretty damning commentary on what Milanovich must think of Ford, that Dolegala is starting ahead of him.
Wasn't Milanovich known as the QB whisperer? He's got plenty of whispering to do with the two of them.
Dolegala has 65 yards passing in 3 quarters.You need to give Ford a chance.
What is with these so called head coaches who are supposed to be 'experts' on QBs?? First we have Dinwiddie making a major gaff with brown—a blind man can see brown is better than Maier and now milanovich with dolegala over ford. Ford struggled last week but dolegala isn't even struggling he looks like he doesn't even want to be out there. The only thing he has going for him is he's tall, well big deal, he's a tall bad Qb with a whopping 65 yards in 3 quarters of play. Sad
As bad as Dolegala has been his receivers are not helping him with numerous drops.
what a massacre.....Hamilton was looking so good with Bo but now they are in desperate need of a legitimate starter!
A good old fashioned butt whuppin, get used to it Hamilton even Ottawa is going to beat you guys!!
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on July 13, 2026, 01:48:56 AMwhat a massacre.....Hamilton was looking so good with Bo but now they are in desperate need of a legitimate starter!
Funny, I didn't know the name of the Ti-Cats GM that took over from Ted Goveia, turns out they don't have one, closest is Asst. GM Alex Russell. Orlondo Steinauer has manoeuvred himself to be President of Football Ops for Life, so he stays clear of the firing line.
Quote from: bunker on July 13, 2026, 12:13:26 AMDolegala is terrible. I wonder if we'll see Ford in the second half.
I'm only halfway through so far, but he has that mediocre-QB problem of not throwing it to where it would best suit the REC. He'll throw it to where the guy is, or worse: the place where more D is; instead of throwing it to where it would lead the REC to being open.
His arm is ok. But he's not getting good completions because of this, and he seems to have a slower wind, like Zach, letting DBs close up.
Well, if you had told me pre-game HAM would have been a fingertip away from tying SSK at halftime, and is only down 4, I'd have laughed in your face.
I'm just starting the 2nd H, but I'll be dying laughing if HAM can pull off the upset. It won't hurt anyone in pickems, because everyone picked SSK. Won't get my hopes up though!
Quote from: Tecno on July 13, 2026, 04:17:53 AMWell, if you had told me pre-game HAM would have been a fingertip away from tying SSK at halftime, and is only down 4, I'd have laughed in your face.
I'm just starting the 2nd H, but I'll be dying laughing if HAM can pull off the upset. It won't hurt anyone in pickems, because everyone picked SSK. Won't get my hopes up though!
I was surprised too
Heat a huge factor 1st half
Quote from: bunker on July 13, 2026, 12:40:17 AMRare to see Harris throw a pick
3Q13:58 This
D play is worth studying and duplicating. This is genius stuff. I can't tell you how much I love this.
Suits talks about it a bit. But he misses that HAM #1 is the key, not McManis. #1 is directly between Harris & McManis. Well away from the OL.
He's acting as the "spotter". His eyes are glued to Harris.
When Harris chucks it, #1 turns and yells to McManis who then instantly turns his head, locates the ball, and gets the INT.
This is a genius way to stop that nearly unstoppable mid timing crosser that SSK is famous for. It's very novel. I'm not sure I've seen that before.
We 100% need to steal this, even if it doesn't always work, it makes Harris have to think twice, and they have to plan for it to not be 99% anymore.
This is the "be prepared" stuff I'm harping on. This is a DC spending all off-season figuring out how to stop what seems unstoppable. This is the effort, planning, film study, and practice I want to see.
Quote from: dd on July 13, 2026, 01:11:17 AMWhat is with these so called head coaches who are supposed to be 'experts' on QBs?? First we have Dinwiddie making a major gaff with brown—a blind man can see brown is better than Maier and now milanovich with dolegala over ford.
Ford's just as bad as Dolegala, but in a completely different way. When they give Ford the whole week of practice and start him next time, he'll be just as bad -- he'll just be bad while running around instead of bad in the pocket.
But we can't blame Milanovitch like we do Dinwiddie, because Dinwiddie made a conscious choice to start a loser -- Milanovitch got a bum deal by losing his superstar MOP-bound QB.
SSK will be in precisely the same boat if someone breaks T.Harris' legs too.
P.S. Ironically, in FA most people would have said (and did say) the HAM QB room was way stronger than the WFC room. Even though Dolegala and Ford are bad, you'd have guessed they were more game-ready than Elgs and Perkins!! My, how the tables turns.
Well, SSK needs to send WPG a thank-you card. We sent them a freebie by ending BLM. Too bad we had to face HAM early-season with BLM & that corps at full strength. Now SSK will get 2 free bingo spots from HAM, and only thanks to us.
SSK is looking good, but not as good the last 2-3 games as the first few! They are certainly vulnerable. Basically tied at the half in this game? That's horrid!
Uh, isn't KSB supposed to be NAT? As in... Canadian? And he doesn't know what language "voila" is? Uh... not sure how you go through Canadian education system and not know that. Heck, most Americans probably know it too.
(From the first 6 minutes of the post-game SC, in case you're wondering.)
I propose a new CFL rule: if you don't know even the most basic French words, you lose your NAT status. (And I'm no fan of French!)
Dam it was hot yesterday at the game.
Tiger Cats stuck in the sun & heat until 3rd quarter.
I don't understand sticking with Dolo after he only had about 65 yards passing in a half. He may have been making the right reads, but his throws were horrible, high or in the dirt and eventually to the wrong team. Ford gets the last 2 minutes and throws better than Dolo did in the entire game.
Hamilton is negotiating with Frost who played in the UFL this season. At least he might have more upside than Dolegala. That team is in serious trouble now.
How does Dolegala still have a job in this league?
Quote from: peg_city on July 13, 2026, 05:04:06 PMHow does Dolegala still have a job in this league?
Agreed. Wake up CFL find other prospects.
The guy cannot complete the simplest throws to the flat.
Quote from: TBURGESS on July 13, 2026, 03:19:22 PMI don't understand sticking with Dolo after he only had about 65 yards passing in a half. He may have been making the right reads, but his throws were horrible, high or in the dirt and eventually to the wrong team. Ford gets the last 2 minutes and throws better than Dolo did in the entire game.
Golden opportunity for all 3 Hamilton QB's to gain playing time and show they deserve to be considered future starting options in the CFL, this could be their last life-line. They don't even have to win games as that would be beyond expectations, they just have to show well and move the offence effectively.
They have the advantage of Milanovich and BLM putting them through mental boot camp, Dolegala and Ford need to be broken down and re-programed because they both have physical advantages that could work in their favour if they're motivated to put in the hard work.
I'm a lot more enthused with Ford's physical skills than Dolegala's as he's reminiscent of the big slow pocket passing NFL QB's from decades ago that relied on 100% pass protection, it takes Jake forever to retreat and set up to throw the ball. Todays game is all about quick thinking and mobility, if a QB can't do either they'll be relegated to SY QB duties for the rest of their career.
Quote from: peg_city on July 13, 2026, 05:04:06 PMHow does Dolegala still have a job in this league?
He's a basic but good SY QB.
Quote from: Blue In BC on July 13, 2026, 04:47:27 PMHamilton is negotiating with Frost who played in the FL this season. At least he might have more upside than Dolegala. That team is in serious trouble now.
I think Harrison Frost is the guy the Ticats really want. He has been in the Hamilton system for the past 2 seasons and he got some playing time in the UFL this year.
Jarret Doege may just be a placeholder until Frost arrives. Doege's signing was necessary so that the Ticats could place Mitchell on the 6-game injured list. Having said that, Doege may still be an option going forward if Dolegala continues to struggle.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 13, 2026, 05:22:49 PMGolden opportunity for all 3 Hamilton QB's to gain playing time and show they deserve to be considered future starting options in the CFL, this could be their last life-line. They don't even have to win games as that would be beyond expectations, they just have to show well and move the offence effectively.
They have the advantage of Milanovich and BLM putting them through mental boot camp, Dolegala and Ford need to be broken down and re-programed because they both have physical advantages that could work in their favour if they're motivated to put in the hard work.
I'm a lot more enthused with Ford's physical skills than Dolegala's as he's reminiscent of the big slow pocket passing NFL QB's from decades ago that relied on 100% pass protection, it takes Jake forever to retreat and set up to throw the ball. Todays game is all about quick thinking and mobility, if a QB can't do either they'll be relegated to SY QB duties for the rest of their career.
Ford is only one year younger than Dru and Jake is the same age. They have both had multiple kicks at the can with different coaches. I think they are who they are. I would go with Ford. Neither will win you games as pocket passers, but Ford has shown the ability to win games by going off script and beating you with his legs. Hamilton has a pretty good defense, and could win you some games if the offense did not turn it over multiple times and managed to put up point totals in the mid 20's.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 13, 2026, 06:12:11 PMHe's a basic but good SY QB.
Dolegala is one of the worst SY QBs. He's tall and skinny, the very worst combination for sneaking. He actually failed at a sneak and had TOD in this game! I don't know his exact %, but it's bad.
People only used him for SY because they had to find a job for him to do on the AR even though he sucked. And even though he sucked, he's still better than a brand noob IMP rookie out of TC.
Quote from: Tecno on July 14, 2026, 05:12:44 AMDolegala is one of the worst SY QBs. He's tall and skinny, the very worst combination for sneaking. He actually failed at a sneak and had TOD in this game! I don't know his exact %, but it's bad.
People only used him for SY because they had to find a job for him to do on the AR even though he sucked. And even though he sucked, he's still better than a brand noob IMP rookie out of TC.
Disagree he weighs 242 lbs. so he has some heft and quite a bit of power combined with a long reach over similar to Stevens. The play you're referring to the boob in the backfield completely missed his block and fell at the feet of the tackler who was able to knife through the line.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 13, 2026, 12:42:19 AMWasn't Milanovich known as the QB whisperer? He's got plenty of whispering to do with the two of them.
He's going to be the QB screamer with this cadre of QBs...
Quote from: Tecno on July 14, 2026, 05:12:44 AMDolegala is one of the worst SY QBs. He's tall and skinny, the very worst combination for sneaking. He actually failed at a sneak and had TOD in this game! I don't know his exact %, but it's bad.
People only used him for SY because they had to find a job for him to do on the AR even though he sucked. And even though he sucked, he's still better than a brand noob IMP rookie out of TC.
This doesn't pass the smell test.
Over the past 3 seasons, name a QB other than Nathan Rourke (11/11) and Bryce Perkins (11/11) who has a better 3rd down success rate than Jake Dolegala on QB sneaks?
Dolegala is a big dude, a load to bring down, so it makes perfect sense to be SY Qb, other than that, has he EVER had a decent game under centre?? I truly can't think of when I saw him show anything on the field. Go with Ford for pete's sake, at least he can make plays with his legs and stay on the field, whereas the others are going to be 2 and out, or worse, pick six.
Quote from: dd on July 14, 2026, 10:45:21 PMDolegala is a big dude, a load to bring down, so it makes perfect sense to be SY Qb, other than that, has he EVER had a decent game under centre?? I truly can't think of when I saw him show anything on the field. Go with Ford for pete's sake, at least he can make plays with his legs and stay on the field, whereas the others are going to be 2 and out, or worse, pick six.
Sept. 3 2023
SASKATCHEWAN – The Saskatchewan Roughriders notched a win to remember on OK Tire Labour Day Weekend.
Giving up a late lead and forcing overtime, the Riders scored on their first drive of overtime as Jake Dolegala threw for over 300 yards in just his third career start.
But the Winnipeg Blue Bombers responded immediately, and it all came down to the Riders' defence getting a stop on the two-point conversion.
In front of a sold-out crowd at Mosaic Stadium, the Riders did just that.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 14, 2026, 10:59:19 PMGiving up a late lead and forcing overtime, the Riders scored on their first drive of overtime as Jake Dolegala threw for over 300 yards in just his third career start.
In front of a sold-out crowd at Mosaic Stadium, the Riders did just that.
I was there. It was his only real accomplishment in the CFL. His 15 mins of fame. He's been between meh and bad the rest of the time.
He's NOT going to turn into the next Cody -- a meh guy who finally gets the right team and starts to rack up some wins. He's the next Jennings. And yes, I would put money on it.
Quote from: Stats Junkie on July 14, 2026, 10:39:59 PMThis doesn't pass the smell test.
Over the past 3 seasons, name a QB other than Nathan Rourke (11/11) and Bryce Perkins (11/11) who has a better 3rd down success rate than Jake Dolegala on QB sneaks?
You're the one with the stats! But I pay more attention to sneaks in general than anyone here. It's my passion, my raison d'etre.
And we've figured out over the years your definition of "sneak success" is different from mine. To me the only "failure" is a sneak that was ToD, or a 2nd down sneak that failed to get you close enough to sneak on 3rd. (Or fumble, of course.)
Now, I haven't tracked Dolegala's sneaks closely like I do for WPG sneaks, but I know I've never been impressed by him. There's a reason teams won't even keep him around to be a SY specialist for very long. He's not like a Prukop, LeFeve, or Marve who morph into making a career out of it.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on July 14, 2026, 05:46:18 PMDisagree he weighs 242 lbs. so he has some heft and quite a bit of power combined with a long reach over similar to Stevens. The play you're referring to the boob in the backfield completely missed his block and fell at the feet of the tackler who was able to knife through the line.
All his sneaks this game he's far too upright, too hesitant, too slow, too uncommitted, too pedestrian. And that's no different than the other times I've seen him sneak.
And 242
means absolutely nothing when you're 6'7. Run the weight/height ratio and compare him to Rourke or Alexander. Or Elgs! Elgs is 2" shorter and the same weight! I don't even want to think what Steven's ratio is compared to Dolegala.
Dolegala looks like a tall skinny string bean out there. Just like I've been saying about Dru being shrimpkin, even though ya, on paper his stats aren't too abnormal. And that's perfectly fine for a QB (both of them!), I just don't think a John Cleese type body is what you need for a successful
sneaker!
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on July 13, 2026, 05:06:15 PMAgreed. Wake up CFL find other prospects.
The guy cannot complete the simplest throws to the flat.
have you considered he's 6'7 though?
Quote from: kkc60 on July 15, 2026, 05:30:19 PMhave you considered he's 6'7 though?
That was the running joke on Rider forum for a looong time.
Sure he sucks, but did you know he's 6'7! he so tall!
So let me get this straight. You are saying he is 6'7"?? Next you will be saying he weighs 240+ lbs! Come on now!
:D
I feel like I'm on the Jets forum listening to a discussion about Logan Stanley.
Quote from: bunker on July 16, 2026, 01:29:56 AM:D
I feel like I'm on the Jets forum listening to a discussion about Logan Stanley.
He is a free agent now, not sure what he's holding out to get, I think he's going to eventually sign a "I bet on me" 1 year deal at $2mil with a team he might get second pairing minutes with, and hope that he shows well enough to get the next deal.
Quote from: theaardvark on July 16, 2026, 04:55:11 PMHe is a free agent now, not sure what he's holding out to get, I think he's going to eventually sign a "I bet on me" 1 year deal at $2mil with a team he might get second pairing minutes with, and hope that he shows well enough to get the next deal.
It's not holding out if no one wants to sign you.
Quote from: Jesse on July 16, 2026, 05:54:43 PMIt's not holding out if no one wants to sign you.
There is no doubt someone wants to sign him, but at what price. Yes, you can hold out for a certain dollar amount.
I'd be interested to know if he's been contacted by any European leagues.
I like Stanley and think he's come a long way. He'd be a good #5 D man, plays mean, will take on anyone and will keep the other team honest