Ticats QB Evans set to return against Blue Bombers

HAMILTON — Dane Evans is returning to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' lineup.

Head coach Orlondo Steinauer said Thursday that Evans will dress Saturday when Hamilton (3-9) hosts the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (12-1). Evans (right shoulder) hasn't played in three of the Ticats' last four games (out for two, listed as third quarterback in the other).

But Evans has been a full participant in practice this week and is expected to start Saturday's contest.

"I think (the shoulder) is as healthy as it's going to be until the off-season," Evans said. "The last couple of weeks have been really good for it."

The Ticats haven't played since their 28-8 Labour Day loss to the Toronto Argonauts on Sept. 5.

Much was expected of Evans this season after Hamilton signed the six-foot-one, 218-pound Texan to a two-year contract extension and allowed veteran Jeremiah Masoli to become a free agent. Evans had made 18 career starts over four seasons with the Ticats, including both Grey Cup losses to Winnipeg in 2019 and '21.

But the 2022 campaign has been a difficult one for both Evans and the Ticats.

Evans has completed 207-of-309 passes (67 per cent) for 2,473 yards but has more interceptions (CFL-most 13) than touchdowns (10). He has also fumbled seven times, losing six, both league highs, and lost seven-of-nine starts.

Hamilton is averaging just 19.8 offensive points per game (second-last overall) and has scored just 20 offensive TDs (tied for last). The Ticats also lead the league in turnovers made (41), fumbles lost (12) and interceptions (17).

"It ('22 season) has been a lot of learning, a lot of adjusting," Evans said. "But I think the best term for it would just be adversity.

"It's been a little bit of a tough one but I've been feeling really