If the Alouettes made a statement with their season-opening victory against Winnipeg last Thursday, their resilience will now be tested following the injury-related loss of two starters.
Field linebacker Reggie Stubblefield will miss the entire season due to a torn ACL in his right knee, which he announced on Instagram over the weekend. Stubblefield made four defensive tackles and another on special teams before being carted off the field late in the third quarter, following a low hit on Blue Bombers backup quarterback Chris Streveler.
“Any time you lose a starter in Week 1, it’s a loss,” Als general manager Danny Maciocia told The Gazette. Head coach Jason Maas canceled practice in preparation for Friday night’s game at Edmonton.
Montreal will also be without receiver Tyler Snead, who was seen in a walking boot post-game and will miss several weeks. The team will decide whether to place Snead on the six-game injured list after consulting with medical staff, although Maciocia confirmed he will miss multiple games.
Stubblefield might be replaced by newcomer Bryce Cosby, who played against Winnipeg and recovered a fumble. Cosby, a Ball State graduate, previously spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Als also have seven receivers, including Tyjon Lindsey and Jose Barbon, on their practice roster. Lindsey impressed in the final exhibition game at Ottawa, mainly as a returner. The situation should become clearer on Tuesday when the team starts practicing for the Elks.
Despite these setbacks, the Als’ opening-game performance was impressive, dominating Winnipeg 27-12 on the road in a Grey Cup rematch. Defensively, they forced three turnovers and held the Bombers’ offense without a touchdown for nearly 59 minutes. Offensively, they scored three touchdowns, with quarterback Cody Fajardo passing for 254 yards.
“That’s a game we played with a lot of energy and physicality, considering we just came out of training camp and were on a short week,” Maciocia said. “When we play to our capabilities, everything is possible. That’s the statement we have to make every week — being the best version of ourselves.”
Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros was limited to 209 passing yards and was sacked twice. The Als’ defense managed to disrupt his timing, leading to a second-quarter interception by safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy.
“We were pretty dynamic up front and generated a pass rush,” Maciocia said. “We affected his throws even when we didn’t sack him.”
Maciocia highlighted a third-quarter play where middle linebacker Darnell Sankey forced a Nic Demski fumble, recovered by defensive back Dionté Ruffin. The GM was impressed by the number of Als players pursuing the ball.
“This team is composed of players with ability, toughness, and effort,” Maciocia said.
Tyson Philpot stood out with 10 catches for 141 yards and two touchdowns, quickly becoming one of the standout Canadians in the league.
