The Hamilton Tiger-Cat coach Orlondo Steinauer confirmed the obvious Saturday defensive lineman Ted Laurent will miss the Grey Cup after undergoing treatment for appendicitis.
The a refrigerator-sized run-stopper, missed practice on Thursday and Friday, as the team initially said he was suffering from an illness unrelated to COVID-19.
Coach Steinauer said, the six foot and one inch and 299 pounds, had undergone medical intervention for appendicitis.
Losing Laurent would be a major blow. The Ticats had the best run defence in the league this season, limiting the opposition to 79.6 yards a game.
“That was an emotional lift for our football team that he was sitting there. He couldn’t laugh like he regularly could, but it was important for him to be there. It was just nice to have him there.” Steinauer said.
“Obviously having Ted not go is a big blow. There’s more to it than just his production on the field, obviously. That’s a ratio challenge.
“But that won’t make a difference. We will go a different way with our roster. I feel for Teddy, the person. He’s a big part of what helped us get here.” he added.
Laurent was a CFL all-star in 2014 and 2015, as well as a five-time divisional all-star. The 10-year-veteran participated in full during Wednesday’s practice but was absent on Thursday and Friday.
“The big thing, it was nice to see him healthy and good after being in surgery. Playing or not, I don’t think it’s a big thing for us. It’s bigger than football.” Hamilton defensive back Tunde Adeleke said.
Laurent has been a fixture in a hard-nosed Ticat defensive line that also features Ja’Gared Davis, Dylan Wynn and Julian Howsare.
“We’re going to exhaust anything we can to let Teddy play. We’ll also be prepared if he doesn’t.” Steinauer said.
