THE CANADIAN PRESS
VANCOUVER — Defensive linemen Caesar Rayford and Kyle Mitchell were among 11 players released by the B.C. Lions on Wednesday.
The Lions made the moves prior to the CFL’s deadline of 3 p.m. ET on Thursday to reduce their training camp roster to 46 active players.
The six-foot-seven, 245-pound Rayford was entering his second season with the Lions. Mitchell signed in the off-season with B.C. after spending two seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
"These decisions are never easy, but I am confident that the team we are assembling will be very competitive and give our fans plenty to cheer about this season," Lions head coach and GM Wally Buono said in a statement.
Also released were linebacker Josh Bean, running back Damian Sims, long snapper David Mills, receiver Otis Amey, defensive back Trestin George, offensive linemen Darren Marquez and Matt Morencie, safety Mike McEachern and defensive lineman Melik Brown.
Some of those released could end up returning to the Lions, who are allowed to keep up to seven players on their practice roster.
B.C. travels to Regina on Friday night to open the ’09 regular season against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
