The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed defensive lineman Jose Ramirez to the practice squad and released offensive lineman Joey Lombard on Wednesday.
Jose Ramirez is six foot two and weighs 252 pounds. The 26-year-old from Lake Alfred, Florida, was drafted by the Philadelphia Stars in the sixth round (46th pick) of the 2023 USFL Draft.
He was also drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round (196th pick) of the 2023 NFL Draft. Ramirez played four regular-season games for the Buccaneers. In 2024, he made eight tackles (5 solos, 3 assists) and three sacks in three preseason games.
In 2025, he made six tackles (3 solos, 3 assists) and one sack in three preseason games. The Buccaneers released him on August 26, 2025.
Collegiately, Ramirez started as a redshirt Freshman at Arizona in 2017. He did not play for the Wildcats. Next, he transferred to Riverside Community College in 2018 with 44 tackles (30 solos, 14 assists), 11 tackles for loss, eight sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 12 games for the Tigers.
Then, he transferred to Eastern Michigan University (2019-22) with 156 tackles (81 solos, 75 assists), 34 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, six forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 36 games for the Eagles.
Ramirez finished his EMU career as a Ring of Honor member. His 20.5 sacks placed him second all-time in EMU history. He was also named a two-time Third Team All-MAC (2020-21), First Team All-MAC in 2022, and the MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.
Joey Lombard is six foot five and weighs 305 pounds. The 24-year-old from Anoka, Minnesota, signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on June 20, 2025. In 2025, he played in three preseason games. The Chiefs released him on August 26, 2025. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed Lombard to the practice squad on September 17, 2025.
Collegiately, Lombard played center and left guard in five seasons at South Dakota (2019-24), starting 48 of 51 games for the Coyotes. In 2024, he was an Alternate Team Captain. South Dakota averaged 35.79 points per game, 215.9 rushing yards per game, 220.93 passing yards per game, 436.9 total yards per game, 67 touchdowns, allowed 30 sacks, and allowed 2.93 in tackles for loss, finishing 11-3 for the season.
Lombard was named First Team All-MVFC, Second Team All-American by the Associated Press, Third Team All-American by STATS Perform, and Second Team All-MVFC.
