The Montreal Alouettes will be getting a serious injection of talent ahead of their rematch with the Toronto Argonauts on Friday, but one of their most recognizable offensive stars won’t be on the field.
Running back William Stanback (hand) has been placed on the one-game injured list and will be replaced by Walter Fletcher. The two-time CFL all-star has had a relatively quiet 2023 season, carrying 113 times for 586 yards and one touchdown while catching 21 passes for 209 yards.
Softening the blow offensively is the return of the team’s top Canadian receiver, Kaion Julien-Grant, who has been out since Week 9 with a hand injury. At the time of his injury, the 27-year-old was fifth in the CFL in receiving yardage, having caught 31 passes for 486 yards in six games. The former second-round pick in the 2019 CFL Draft needs just five receptions and 31 yards to surpass his previous career high.
On defence, the Alouettes are receiving a large infusion of talent, particularly at linebacker. Avery Williams is back as the starter in the middle after a six-game absence, having notched 20 defensive tackles and another on special teams in five appearances. He will be backed up by former CFL tackle leader Darnell Sankey, who signed with the club on Sunday after a stint in the XFL.
In the secondary, boundary halfback Wesley Sutton and field cornerback Dionte Ruffin both return to the lineup. To make room for the moves, cornerback Kabion Ento, safety Tysen Otis-Copeland, and linebacker Chris Moore have all been moved to the practice roster. Defensive end Avery Ellis will also be a healthy scratch.
The Alouettes (6-6) will visit the Argos (10-1) on Friday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. The two teams met last week, with Toronto securing a decisive 39-10 victory.
