Hamilton Tiger-Cats part with Canadian wide receiver

Mike Jones’ second tour of duty with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats lasted only one game.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have released the Canadian wide receiver, after bringing him back into the black-and-gold fold five weeks ago, on Aug. 2. Jones gained 30 receiving yards in his only appearance, catching 3-of-5 targets.

Hamilton native Tyler Ternowski, who has battled injuries this season, is the presumptive starter at the field-side (or wide-side) wide receiver spot that is customarily staffed by a Canadian player. Rookie Kiondre Smith, a Markham, Ont., native, has also been relatively reliable, catching 14-of-17 targets for 175 yards.

The Tiger-Cats (3-9) are on a bye week and are looking up at the rest of the East division of the Canadian Football League. The Toronto Argonauts (6-5) are in first place, with the Montréal Alouettes (4-6) holding second spot. The Ottawa Redblacks (3-8) are level with Hamilton for third. However, they have a game in hand, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-6), who are fourth in the West, have the inside track to be a cross-over playoff team that would claim the third East slot.

Hamilton hosts the two-time defending Grey Cup champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 17 (4 p.m., TSN/RDS/Ticats Audio Network) at Tim Hortons Field. They have one matchup left with Montréal (Sept. 23, away) and two left against Ottawa (Oct. 21, home; Oct. 29, away).