THE CANADIAN PRESS
VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions signed wide receiver Michael Bumpus and defensive lineman Stephen Williams on Wednesday and released receiver Rufus Skillern, linebacker Terna Nande and defensive lineman Jonathan Williams.
Bumpus attended training camp with the Seattle Seahawks, for whom he played four games during the 2008 season. The Washington State grad caught five passes for 48 yards with one TD and also returned seven punts for an average of 9.4 yards.
Williams was released during the New England Patriots’ final cut-downs earlier this month. The interior lineman was an undrafted free agent signing of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006 and appeared in 11 games that season recording six tackles and a fumble recovery. He also spent time on the practice roster of the Carolina Panthers in 2007 and 2008.
Skillern played in 15 games over two seasons with the Lions, making 34 catches for 370 yards and a TD.
Nande appeared in seven games this season, notching seven defensive tackles and eight special teams stops.
Williams played in B.C.’s Aug. 21 game versus Winnipeg, making two tackles in his CFL debut.
Tigers-Cats sign Middleton, release Davis
HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed Brandon Middleton on Wednesday and released fellow wide receiver Chris Davis.
Middleton spent the past two seasons with the NFL’s Detroit Lions, making nine receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown in 13 games.
He also returned 43 kickoffs for 947 yards.
The Houston native has also played with the St. Louis Rams and Dallas Cowboys as well as NFL Europe’s Rhein Fire, Berlin Thunder and Frankfurt Galaxy.
Stampeders cut defensive back Davanzo Tate
CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders released defensive back Davanzo Tate on Wednesday.
Tate signed with the Stamps in May and suited up in seven regular-season contests.
Blue Bombers add Hunt to practice roster
WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers added import defensive end Phillip Hunt to their practice roster Wednesday.
Hunt joins the Bombers after a playing college football at Houston from 2005-2008.
