The Montreal Alouettes have named Caleb Evans as their starting quarterback for a second straight week as Cody Fajardo continues to battle an injury to his non-throwing shoulder.
Fajardo was listed as a game-time decision last week but was ruled out shortly before kickoff, thrusting Evans into the role. The 25-year-old did what was needed in a 41-12 rout of Saskatchewan, completing eight of 13 pass attempts for 149 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while rushing for 66 yards and two scores on 11 carries.
Evans was acquired this offseason in free agency after spending the past two seasons in Ottawa, seeing time as the starter in each of his first two years in the CFL. He played 26 games for the Redblacks, completing 222-of-367 passes for 2,580 yards, nine touchdowns, and 16 interceptions while adding 130 carries for 699 yards and 19 scores.
While he is not expected to start, Fajardo will dress as the Alouettes’ third-string option.
Despite the absence of their franchise passer, Montreal will be getting a big boost offensively from the return of running back William Stanback, who missed last week with a hip injury. The 29-year-old ball carrier has rushed 85 times for 415 yards this season while adding 17 receptions for 165 yards.
The return forces fellow running back Walter Fletcher to be a healthy scratch, despite collecting 141 yards from scrimmage on 16 touches last week.
Also returning on the defensive side of the ball are veteran defensive tackle Almondo Sewell and Canadian defensive end Brock Gowanlock. Defensive tackle Israel Antwine has been moved back to the practice roster, while edge rusher Marcus Valdez (ankle) has been placed on the six-game injured list.
Backup offensive lineman Patrick Davis (lower leg) has been added to the one-game injured list and will be replaced by American tackle Jamar McGloster.
The Alouettes (5-3) will visit the Redblack (3-6) on Saturday, August 19 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. The two teams previously met in Week 1, with Montreal coming out on top 19-12.
