Full Breakdown
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Sign Jose Ramirez, Release Joey Lombard
9/25/2025, 2:39:22 PM
Key Player Transactions
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed defensive lineman Jose Ramirez to their practice squad while releasing offensive lineman Joey Lombard. Jose Ramirez, a 26-year-old from Lake Alfred, Florida, stands at six feet two inches and weighs 252 pounds. He was drafted in the sixth round of both the 2023 USFL Draft by the Philadelphia Stars and the NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During his time with the Buccaneers, Ramirez participated in four regular-season games, accumulating eight tackles and three sacks in the 2024 preseason and six tackles with one sack in the 2025 preseason before being released on August 26, 2025.
Lombard, a 24-year-old from Anoka, Minnesota, is six feet five inches tall and weighs 305 pounds. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in June 2025 and played in three preseason games before being released on August 26, 2025. Lombard joined the Tiger-Cats' practice squad on September 17, 2025, after a collegiate career at South Dakota, where he started 48 of 51 games.
Background on Jose Ramirez
Ramirez's collegiate career began at the University of Arizona in 2017, though he did not play. He transferred to Riverside Community College in 2018, where he recorded 44 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and eight sacks in 12 games. He then moved to Eastern Michigan University from 2019 to 2022, where he made significant contributions, including 156 tackles and 20.5 sacks, ranking second all-time in the program's history. His performance earned him accolades such as the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.
Upcoming Game Context
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, currently with a record of 9-5, are set to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-7) at Princess Auto Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The game is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. EDT kickoff. The Tiger-Cats recently secured a victory against the Edmonton Elks with a walk-off field goal, while the Blue Bombers defeated the Ottawa Redblacks despite a limited passing game.
Criticism & Opposition
While the signing of Jose Ramirez may be seen as a strategic move to bolster the Tiger-Cats' defensive line, the release of Joey Lombard raises questions about the team's depth in the offensive line. Critics may argue that Lombard's potential was not fully realized during his brief tenure with the team.
Official Statements & Responses
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have not publicly commented on the rationale behind the signing of Ramirez or the release of Lombard. However, the team's management is likely focused on optimizing their roster as they approach the final stretch of the season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He is a player who plays with passion and commitment,” — Carlos Baerga, former MLB All-Star, on Jose Ramirez's impact on his team.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent player transactions involving the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, focusing on the signing of Jose Ramirez and the release of Joey Lombard, while also contextualizing the upcoming game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
