Tiger-Cats Reinstate Returner Phillip Brooks, Let Go of Another Player

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have made a significant move ahead of their upcoming game against the Montreal Alouettes, re-signing American receiver and returner Phillip Brooks.

Brooks, a native of Lee's Summit, Mo., played college football at Kansas State University, where he appeared in a program record 65 games over six seasons. He caught 182 passes for 2,127 yards and 14 touchdowns, and also returned 57 punts for 712 yards and four scores.

After being released by the Ticats as part of final cuts in their training camp, Brooks had a brief stint with the B.C. Lions, returning two punts for 10 yards and four kickoff returns for 94 yards in one game before being released.

Treshaun Ward, a 24-year-old running back from Plant City, Florida, who signed with the Tiger-Cats on May 16, 2025, has also returned to the team. Ward, who played college football at Florida State, Kansas, and Boston College, has made six catches for 37 yards for the Tiger-Cats this season. He has also carried the ball eight times for 34 yards and a touchdown.

Ward, however, was released by the team in early September, but the Tiger-Cats have now brought him back.

The Tiger-Cats have a record of 6-5, while the Alouettes stand at 5-6. The kickoff for the game between the two teams is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, September 6 at Percival Molson Stadium.

The weather forecast in Montreal for the game calls for a high of 20 degrees, cloudy conditions, and a 40 percent chance of showers. The game will be broadcast on TSN, RDS, and CFL+.

Brooks has drawn comparisons to former CFL Most Outstanding Player Brandon Banks, who also attended Kansas State and produced similar results as a small-statured speedster. In 2020, Brooks was named first-team All-Big 12, and in 2022, he was named second-team All-Big 12.

In two preseason games with the Ticats, Brooks returned three punts for 13 yards, seven kickoffs for 173 yards, and one missed field goal for 82 yards, and caught two passes for 14 yards.

As the Tiger-Cats prepare for this crucial game, the re-signing of Brooks is sure to boost their offensive and special teams capabilities. Fans in Hamilton and across Canada will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this exciting matchup.