The Ottawa Redblacks are down their starting quarterback.

Dru Brown exited the game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats with an apparent head injury after taking a big hit from Ticats defensive back DaShaun Amos early in the second quarter.

Amos blitzed off the right side and ran untouched into the backfield before jarring Brown’s helmet off. The quarterback walked off the field under his own power.

Amos was called for grade 2 roughing the passer on the play, which carries a 25-yard penalty.

A play can be deemed a grade 2 roughing the passer penalty if a “blow is delivered with the crown of the helmet to the head or neck area of the passer, despite having a clear view to contact, and there are no mitigating circumstances such as the QB’s helmet level changing prior to contact.”

Before exiting the game, Brown was 6-for-8 passing for 66 yards and an interception. In three games this season, the 28-year-old quarterback has thrown for 1,012 yards and five touchdowns.

Dustin Crum replaced Brown at QB for the Redblacks.