Veteran receiver Greg Ellingson to make Alouettes debut vs. Lions

Photo courtesy: Montreal Alouettes

The Montreal Alouettes will have one of their most prized free-agent signings in the lineup for the first time when they face the B.C. Lions on Saturday.

Veteran receiver Greg Ellingson is scheduled to make his first start for the franchise after missing the first half of the year with a knee injury. The 34-year-old has played 125 career CFL games, making 587 receptions for 8,550 yards with 45 touchdowns, averaging 14.6 yards per catch.

The nine-year veteran was excellent when healthy last season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, making 38 receptions for 598 yards and three touchdowns over eight regular season games. He recorded five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2015 until 2019, four with the Ottawa Redblacks and another with the Edmonton Elks, earning four divisional all-star selections and league honours in 2017.

The Alouettes have also added American receiver Cole Spieker back into their offensive lineup following the release of Canadian Hergy Mayala earlier this week. Running back Walter Fletcher will be a healthy scratch, while Philippe Gagnon (elbow) returns from injury to replace Jamar McGloster as the team’s seventh offensive lineman.

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On the defensive side of the ball, Montreal will be trading one top defensive back for another as halfback Wesley Sutton (head) has been placed on the one-game injured list. In his stead, veteran Ciante Evans (hip) returns after an extended absence. The 30-year-old recorded four tackles and three interceptions in the first two games of the season, but has been unable to play since.

Canadian linebacker Tyrell Richards (knee) has been placed on the six-game injured list, while American Bryce Notree has been demoted to the practice roster. Their spots in the lineup will be taken by defensive tackle Vincent Desjardins and rookie linebacker Brody Buck.

The Alouettes (6-4) will host the Lions (7-4) on Saturday, September 2 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. This is the second and final meeting between the two clubs, with B.C. claiming a 35-19 victory in Week 5.