The Montreal Alouettes have been bitten hard by the injury bug ahead of Saturday’s matchup with the Toronto Argonauts, including one player who just got healthy.
Veteran receiver Greg Ellingson, who notched one reception for 10 yards in his Alouettes debut last week, has been returned to the six-game injured list with a knee injury. The 34-year-old previously missed the first 10 games of the season with the same ailment.
The nine-year veteran has played 125 career CFL games, making 587 receptions for 8,550 yards with 45 touchdowns, averaging 14.6 yards per catch. This is his first season in Montreal, having battled injuries last season in Winnipeg.
Joining Ellingson on the six-game injured list are defensive backs Raheem Wilson (knee) and J.R. Reed (leg), as well as stalwart Canadian right tackle Landon Rice (neck). The 35-year-old is considered by many to be the front-runner for Most Oustanding Offensive Lineman.
Canadian Jake Harty returns to the lineup and will start in Ellingson’s place in the receiving corps. American Jamar McGloster will take over for Rice at tackle, preserving the ratio.
Defensively the shuffling will be more complex, as Tyrice Beverette moves from weakside linebacker to assume Reed’s spot on the strong side. Bryce Notree will be activated from the practice roster to start on the weak side, with newcomer Chris Moore to back him up. Special teams demon Zach Lindley returns from injury to backup in the secondary.
Also returning to the lineup is backup running back Walter Fletcher, who was a healthy scratch last week. Linebacker Brody Buck and Global receiver Kevin Kaya have both been placed on the practice roster.
The Alouettes (6-5) will visit the Argos (9-1) on Saturday, September 9 at 1:00 p.m. EDT. This is the second meeting between these two teams, with Toronto winning in Week 6 by a score of 35-27.
