The Ticats made their first round of cuts Tuesday and it sounds like the release of running back Michael Ford was a tough decision for head coach Kent Austin.

"We went back and forth on it for a couple days and there still wasn't a consensus so I ended up having to make the choice," Austin said. "It's tough across the board but when you have a relationship with them, it's not easy."

Ford played six games last season in his second stint with Hamilton, registering 186 yards rushing and another 86 receiving. But with veteran C.J. Gable having a good camp and rookies Ross Schuerman and Da'Rel Scott showing impressive versatility, Ford was the odd man out.

Also released were defensive tackle Zach Anderson, a free agent pick up after playing 40 games in three seasons with Winnipeg; defensive end Antonio Coleman who has been trying to battle back from a knee injury suffered last season; receiver Patrick Robertson and offensive lineman Brandon Washington.

There were more moves expected Tuesday evening as the team reduced its roster to the league-mandated 65 players plus injuries and non-counters (mostly 2016 draft picks.)

"It's always hard — it's the worst part of the job," Austin said. "But it's got to be done and we do the best we can to do it properly and to make sure the guys know we appreciate how hard they worked and that we'll help them moving forward."