The Montreal Alouettes will be without a pair of impactful defensive starters when they take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday.
Veteran halfback Ciante Evans (leg) and middle linebacker Avery Williams (arm) have both been ruled out of the contest. Evans is currently leading the CFL with three interceptions in two games, while Williams has proven to be an outstanding run defender and collected 13 tackles.
Najee Murray will bump over to halfback in place of Evans, while J.R. Reed takes over his strong-side linebacker spot and Kordell Rodgers comes off the practice roster to serve as the designated American in the secondary. Rookie linebacker Bryce Notree will assume Williams’ role in the middle of the defence, making his first career start.
Offensively, the team will be without an exceptional young offensive lineman in Pier-Oliver Lestage (back), as well as rookie receiver Keshunn Abram (knee).
Veteran Philippe Gagnon will get the nod at left guard, with Patrick Davis drawing into the lineup as his backup. Canadian Jake Harty will start in place of Abram, while the ratio switch allows for backup running back Walter Fletcher to dress for the first time this season. The 26-year-old rushed for 486 yards in 14 games last season.
The Alouettes (2-0) will host the Blue Bombers (2-1) on Saturday, July 1 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT. They are currently point underdogs.
