Tiger-Cats shuffle offensive line for game versus Stampeders

HAMILTON — In the space of a week, American rookie offensive lineman Tyrone Riley has gone from the Hamilton Tiger-Cat's practice roster to the starting lineup.

The six-foot-six, 290-pound Riley will make his first CFL start at left tackle Saturday when Hamilton hosts the Calgary Stampeders. Riley didn't dress for the Ticats' season-opening 30-13 road loss last week to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

"There's a reason we kept him around," said Orlondo Steinauer, Hamilton's head coach/president of football operations. "We think he can play but like I always say, there's a test at the end of every week.

"Every week in this league, teams have pass rushers and so you've got to prove yourself."

Riley replaces sophomore American Travis Vornkahl, who shifts to right guard to take over from Canadian Jesse Gibbon. Gibbon will play centre in place of fellow Canuck Alex Fontana, last week's starter who moved to the six-game injured list.

Canadians Brandon Revenberg (left guard) and Chris Van Zeyl (right tackle) will stay put. Canadian Kay Okafor will be the lone backup offensive lineman.

"We kind of changed the name from the practice roster to the waiting room because we believe everybody eventually will be seen," said Steinauer. "It's just a change of mindset, we don't want anybody thinking they're just a practice player.

"We all practise. Unfortunately there's only so many that you can suit (up) and we just think while the wait may be long sometimes, you'll eventually be seen."

Hamilton will need to see improved play from its offensive line Saturday. The Ticats allowed eight sacks and were held to 26 yards rushing versus Saskatchewan.

"Obviously we weren't good enough up front. Period," Steinauer said. "The details are for inside