QB shuffle on both sides of Tiger-Cats' clash with B.C. Lions

Field Level Media|published: Fri 7th August, 18:42 2026

Nov 8, 2025; Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada; BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke (12) looks for a receiver downfield during the second half of the CFL Western Conference Final between the BC Lions and the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-Imagn Images

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will send Harrison Frost under center for his first CFL start on Saturday when they visit the B.C. Lions in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Lions, in turn, likely will see the return of starting quarterback Nathan Rourke for the game. The CFL's Most Outstanding Player from last season was taking first-team reps this week at practice after injuring his shoulder against the Edmonton Elks in Week 7 and was officially listed atop the team's QB depth chart on Friday.

"That's the intention," Rourke said, when asked if he'd start against the Tiger-Cats. "We're taking it day-by-day, seeing how I respond. That's the big thing -- trying to make sure that I'm not just back for one game."

As for Frost, he relieved an ineffective Tre Ford in Hamilton's 44-20 setback to the Calgary Stampeders last week. Frost, who returned to Hamilton after one year with the UFL's St. Louis Battlehawks, completed 9 of 20 passes for 165 yards with one touchdown and one interception for the Tiger-Cats (3-5).

"I would say it was probably a clear-cut decision," Hamilton head coach Scott Milanovich said in support of the 27-year-old Frost, who spent 2024-25 with the Tiger-Cats.

"Things may have been different if Frosty had been here for training camp. Obviously, we only got him a couple weeks ago. He does know the system because he's been here for, whatever it is, 2 1/2 years, but it was just too soon to throw him out there prior to this week, in my opinion, and ask him to be able to play well."

Hamilton is bidding to complete a season sweep of B.C. for the first time since 2019. The Tiger-Cats recorded a 41-27 victory over the Lions in Week 3.

Rourke completed 24 of 35 passes for 291 yards with one touchdown and one interception in that game. Rookie Nick Cenacle reeled in nine catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns for B.C.

The Lions (2-5) set a franchise rushing record with 377 yards on the ground in last week's 35-19 romp over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, highlighted by Zander Horvath. He posted career highs in carries (17), rushing yards (191) and touchdowns (three) en route to being named as a CFL player of the week.

--Field Level Media