The Montreal Alouettes have been bitten by the injury bug ahead of their matchup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, losing four impact starters to the six-game injured list.
Chief among the losses is Canadian receiver Kaion Julien-Grant (hand) who entered Week 9 sitting fifth in the CFL for receiving yardage. The former second-round pick in the 2019 CFL Draft was enjoying a breakout fourth season, having caught 31 passes for 486 yards in six games — just five receptions and 31 yards shy of his previous career high.
Defensively, the Alouettes will be without a trio of starters in halfback Dionte Ruffin (hip), middle linebacker Avery Williams (elbow), and strong-side linebacker Najee Murray (shoulder), who is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a torn pec. The 29-year-old veteran was second on the team in total defensive plays, having made 32 tackles and an interception in six games.
The Alouettes have been forced to reshuffle the deck to accommodate the absences. American Bryce Notree and Canadian Frederic Chagnon are expected to share reps in the middle of the defence, while J.R. Reed will take over for Murray as the dime back. Rookie Reggie Stubblefield will make his second start and appearance of the season in place of Ruffin at halfback, while Canadian Tysen-Otis Copeland draws into the lineup to backup.
In the receiving corps, the return of Tyson Philpot last week allows American Quartney Davis to take over for Julien-Grant as a starter. In two appearances earlier this season, the Texas A&M product notched six catches for 94 yards. Cole Spieker will also dress in a backup capacity.
The Alouettes (3-3) will visit the Ticats (3-4) on Saturday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. They are currently favoured by points.
