Ticats D-line fighting the injury bug

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are preparing to defend their undefeated title at Tim Hortons Field, when the Edmonton Eskimos head to Hamilton on Saturday. But — as usual — injuries could play a key role in determining who will start for Hamilton this week.

The Ticats returned to practice at Tim Hortons Field today. But defensive tackle Brian Bulcke was not among them.

Head Coach Kent Austin: “I know he’s getting an MRI. Cautious to be too optimistic or too negative before I get a doctor’s report.”

Bulcke appeared to injure his bicep near the end of the second quarter in Sunday’s game against Saskatchewan, and he did not return to the playing field.

Kent Austin: “We’re hopeful Brian will be back and if he’s not then it’s a great opportunity for other guys.”

One guy in particular, is former first-overall draft pick, Linden Gaydosh, who stepped-in for the battered Bulcke on Sunday. Austin says he was impressed with the way the 23- year old rookie held-up under double coverage, but the Calgary alum says he’s still got a lot to learn: “The one thing they told me is make sure we get up field pressure on the QB. So as far as I know, that’s my one and only job right now, so I’m gonna’ take that to heart until I’m told otherwise.”

Elsewhere on the practice field, running back C.J. Gable and receiver Brandon Banks appeared to be working their way back to the active roster.

And rumors of a former Ticat possibly making his way back to the CFL were confirmed. Defensive end Justin Hickman spent the last two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. But in the three seasons before that, he was arguably the best defensive player in the CFL, registering 13 sacks, and 46 defensive tackles in the 2011 season alone.

Kent Austin: “We’re talking to Justin. But we are talking with him.”