The Ottawa Redblacks will have a reloaded defence when they face the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday.
All-star cornerback Money Hunter will be making his return to the lineup after missing the first 14 games of the year with a torn pectoral suffered in May. The injury was initially feared to be season-ending, but the 28-year-old is ready to go for a desperate playoff push.
Hunter started 12 games for the Redblacks in 2022 and recorded 38 tackles and four interceptions, setting a new career high. He made 44 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, two interceptions, and one sack while playing for the Alouettes in 2021 and was named an East Division all-star.
Also returning to the lineup this week is middle linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox, who sat out last week with an ankle injury. In eight games this season, he has recorded 42 tackles and one sack. Santos-Knox will be joined in the middle by newly signed backup Vosean Joseph.
Making way for the new additions are linebacker Lucas Cormier, who will be a healthy scratch, and defensive end Aidan John, who will return to the practice roster. Unfortunately for the Redblacks, halfback Cariel Brooks and cornerback Sherrod Baltimore (arm) have both been placed on the six-game injured list, with Damon Webb filling the vacant spot in the secondary.
Left guard Drew Desjarlais is also headed to the six-game injured list due to an ankle issue. The CFL’s highest-paid blocker will be replaced by Hunter Steward, while Zack Pelehos and Eric Starczala draw in as emergency linemen.
The Redblacks (4-10) will host the Alouettes (7-7) on Saturday, September 30 at 4:00 p.m. EDT. Montreal has won each of the previous two meetings between these teams and can clinch a playoff spot with a victory.
