BREAKING: Ottawa Continues to Trim Roster Release Eight, Lose Two to Retirement, Sign Two

Depth charts are starting to form as the Ottawa Redblacks gradually reduce their roster to meet training camp criteria. Ottawa lost a lot of weight overall and at receiver in particular in this most recent round of layoffs. Six of the ten individuals that left played offence.

RELEASED:

American defensive lineman Michael “MJ” Anderson

American defensive back Elijah Blades

American receiver Dontay Demus

American receiver Sam James Jr.

American receiver Garett Maag

American offensive lineman Des Holmes

American quarterback Matthew McKay

National kicker Michael Domagala

RETIRED:

National linebacker Josh White

American running back T.J. Hammonds

📝 The following players have been released or have retired:#ALLIN | 🔗: https://t.co/y6pVTxyUm9 pic.twitter.com/cNtQqAS0ZP

— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) May 15, 2024

There were a number of players with UFL connections on this list. Des Holmes was chosen by the Seattle Sea Dragons in the 2023 XFL Rookie Draft, and TJ Hammond was a member of the team. Prior to the 2023 season, Matthew McKay signed a letter of intent with the Brahmas. Dontay Demus had signed with the Philadelphia Stars for the 2024 season prior to them being excluded from the combine, and Garrett Maag had previously played for the Michigan Panthers. Houston selected Elijah Blades in the draft, however Blades’ stint was just temporary. Word is that Blades will rejoin the squad after his injury heals.

They only cut two national players, Michael Domagala, who was welcomed back a few days ago. The Redblacks have spent a lot of time selecting players to fill out deep positions on their roster, such as wide receiver, defensive back, linebacker and defensive line, between this round of cuts and the last one.

Since Friday, the group has made available:

Eight wide receivers

four backs on defence

Four defensive backs

four linebackers on defence

two backs on the ground

One offensive lineman

one quarterback

One kicker

Outlook for Positioning

Given the loss of Ante Milanovic-Litre to free agency, Jackson Bennett to retirement, and Williams to injury, running back looks to be a fairly thin position at first glance. However, the training camp roster shows that they still have Ryquell Armstead, Kylin Hill, Amlicar Polk, a 2023 draft pick, and undrafted free agent Jared Chisari. There are NONE of these four guys’ CFL carries. Still, Hill and Armstead both saw the pitch in the NFL.

Update: Redblacks Sign RB Ronnie Brown 

We have made the following transactions:

SIGNED:
🇺🇸 RB Ronnie Brown
🇨🇦 DB Louis Lavaud#ALLIN | 📝: https://t.co/6q339ZejhK pic.twitter.com/FoQ0ra5uUC

— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) May 17, 2024

The depth—or lack thereof—at running back must have registered with the Redblacks. Ronnie Brown, who played with Winnipeg in the off-season, has been added. On this team, Brown is among the most productive backs in college.

During four years at Shepherd University On just 372 carries, Brown amassed 3,042 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, averaging 8.2 yards per carry. Along the way, he demonstrated his abilities as a return man and receiver, recording 59 kick returns for 1,404 yards and one touchdown and 81 receptions for 1,158 yards and 11 touchdowns.

On his pro day, he dispelled any doubts that teams could have had about his physical prowess:

5’10” and 192 lbs.

40-yard dash time of 4.46

1.50 split of ten yards

20-yard shuttle run at 4:00

6.89 drill with three cones

37-inch vertical

fifteen bench press repetitions